Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Analysis Undercuts Popular Warning That ACA Marketplace Is In Death Spiral
The New York Times: No ‘Death Spiral’: Insurers May Soon Profit From Obamacare Plans, Analysis Finds
In contrast to the dire pronouncements from President Trump and other Republicans, the demise of the individual insurance market seems greatly exaggerated, according to a new financial analysis released Friday. The analysis, by Standard & Poor’s, looked at the performance of many Blue Cross plans in nearly three dozen states since President Barack Obama’s health care law took effect three years ago. (Abelson, 4/7)
The Fiscal Times: One Major Obamacare Insurance Company Is Close To Break Even This Year
Despite high premiums and diminished consumer choices that might deter consumers from enrolling in Obamacare, a new financial analysis concludes that the individual health insurance market has shaken off its early losses and will likely break even this year. The analysis by S&P Global Ratings of the performance of scores of Blue Cross plans in nearly three dozen states also predicts that insurance companies providing millions of Americans with subsidized coverage under Obamacare will begin showing modest profits in 2018. (Pianin, 4/9)
Meanwhile, in Colorado —
Denver Post: Worries Of An Anthem Exit Add To Western Slope’s Health Care Woes
When patients walk into Dr. Michael Pramenko’s office in Grand Junction these days, they often walk in worried. Already, residents of Colorado’s Western Slope pay more for health insurance than just about anybody else in the country while also having a smaller selection of insurers to choose from. The Republicans’ health care bill in Congress — which may yet be revived — could up their costs even more. (Ingold, 4/10)
