Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
A Detailed Look At Who Benefits From Tax Bill's Repeal Of Individual Mandate
The New York Times: Millions Pay The Obamacare Penalty Instead Of Buying Insurance. Who Are They?
The Senate Republican tax bill includes the repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, the requirement that all Americans purchase qualifying health insurance or pay a penalty. The move could deal a serious blow to the health law. The repeal of the mandate could result in an estimated 13 million more people without insurance within 10 years, but may potentially lead to federal savings of $338 billion, money that would be used to help pay for broad tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Here’s who pays the mandate’s penalty and how much it costs. (Lai and Parlapiano, 11/28)
USA Today/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Earning A Little More Than Threshold Could Boost Cost Of Health Insurance
In a health care system teeming with fine print, here’s an oddity that middle-class people who buy insurance on their own, rather than through an employer, need to know: You might want to take a pay cut next year. (Boulton, 11/28)
Modern Healthcare: UnitedHealth Goes The Venture Capital Route
The health insurance industry has long been a target for private equity firms looking for places to stash their cash. Some major health insurers have turned the tables and are pumping money into innovative healthcare startups. Cambia Health Solutions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and Humana are just a few with VC arms that are injecting millions into early stage companies promising to disrupt the industry. Now UnitedHealth's Optum business unit is branching into venture capital with a $250 million fund focused on investing in startups that improve the healthcare delivery and payment systems, along with consumers' access to care. (Livingston, 11/28)
