Newly Narrow Networks Make Navigating System ‘Almost As Bad As The Disease’ For Some Families
Insurers have pulled out of the individual marketplace across the country, leaving some people who need care for chronic diseases without any options.
The Washington Post:
Parents Of 4-Year-Old With Cancer Can’t Buy ACA Plan To Cover Her Hospital Care
Four-year-old Colette Briggs bounded into the dining room where her parents sat in the midst of another distressing conversation. Oblivious to their anxiety, she cheerily asked her mom to retie one of the loose pigtails atop her head. Ever since her brown locks regrew long enough for a ponytail, hair has been a big deal around here, her father, Christopher Briggs, said as Colette skipped off to rejoin her older sisters. (Itkowitz, 11/15)
In other marketplace news —
Richmond Times-Dispatch:
VCU Health To Be In-Network Provider On Individual Market In Richmond Area Next Year
After reaching an agreement with the health insurer Cigna, VCU Health has secured its spot as an in-network option next year on the individual market in the Richmond area. Before that agreement was reached last week, HCA Virginia was the sole in-network choice for anyone who bought a plan on the individual market in Henrico and Chesterfield counties, as well as Richmond. (O'Connor, 11/15)
KCUR:
Health Insurer Centene To Cover KU Health System Patients
Centene Corp. has agreed to offer individual marketplace coverage under the Affordable Care Act to patients who receive care at The University of Kansas Health System. Until now, the KU Health System, which includes the University of Kansas Hospital, was not covered in-network under any of the individual marketplace plans offered in 2018 in the Kansas City area. (Margolies, 11/15)
