Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As Enrollment Period Approaches, Consumers And Advocates Prepare
Kaiser Health News: Enrollment Guide: A Few Tips To Help You Shop For A New Marketplace Plan
Open enrollment for the health law’s 2016 marketplace plans begins Sunday, and federal officials caution consumers to check out premium prices because in many places they may be higher. But officials are planning to offer new features to make the process faster and smoother for consumers. (Carey, 10/28)
The Wall Street Journal: Health-Law Volunteers Face Struggle For Sign-Ups In Latest Enrollment Push
When the latest push to sign up people for insurance under the Affordable Car Act begins, the workers and volunteers charged with helping them enroll would seem to have a relatively low bar to clear, given the modest goals the Obama administration set for 2016. That doesn’t mean they have it easy. (Radnofsky, 10/27)
Georgia Health News: Modest Rise Expected In 2016 Exchange Enrollment
Federal health officials are predicting little growth in sign-ups as Year Three of open enrollment for the health insurance exchanges begins Monday. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said the administration expects that exchange enrollment nationally will reach about 10 million people by the end of 2016, up from 9.9 million announced in late June of this year. (Miller, 10/27)
The Connecticut Mirror: Obamacare Q&A: Signups Start Next Week
Sunday marks the start of the third open enrollment period for insurance under the federal health law. That means the nearly 170,000 Connecticut residents who buy their own health insurance will have a chance to shop for new plans – and many will need to take action to keep the coverage they have. Here’s what you need to know. (Levin Becker, 10/28)
And in Wisconsin, a carrier is moving out of part of the market.
WBAY (Green Bay, Wis.): Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Cuts Individual Plans From Health Exchange In Parts Of Wisconsin
Anthem, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) licensee in Wisconsin, has decided to completely pull out of the health care exchange (individual plans) market place in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties starting January. Anthem is also significantly cutting back on the number of available exchange plans in 34 Wisconsin counties, which include the Fox Valley, according to Scott Larrivee, Public Relations Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. (Schuster, 10/26)
