Feds To Tighten Rules For ACA Health Plans’ Provider Directories
Officials plan to require insurers to update provider directories at least once a month, with financial penalties for those who don't. They are also looking at creating an “out-of-pocket cost calculator” to help consumers estimate their total annual costs under a given plan, not just their premiums. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department's Inspector General faults the IRS for not making its own subsidy calculator tool available to the public, and some states scramble to make health coverage plans to protect residents getting federal exchange subsidies in case the Supreme Court invalidates them.
The New York Times:
White House Moves To Fix 2 Key Consumer Complaints About Health Care Law
The White House is moving to address two of the most common consumer complaints about the sale of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act: that doctor directories are inaccurate, and that patients are hit with unexpected bills for costs not covered by insurance. Federal health officials said this week that they would require insurers to update and correct “provider directories” at least once a month, with financial penalties for insurers that failed to do so. In addition, they hope to provide an “out-of-pocket cost calculator” to estimate the total annual cost under a given health insurance plan. (Pear, 5/8)
Earlier KHN coverage: Obamacare, Private Medicare Plans Must Keep Updated Doctor Directories In 2016 (Jaffe, 3/9)
The Fiscal Times:
Nearly 50% Of Subsidized Obamacare Enrollees Owed Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service—tasked with playing a key role in implementing Obamacare—isn’t doing a sufficient job helping confused taxpayers navigate the new law regarding their taxes. That’s according to a new report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released Friday, which criticizes the IRS for not providing sufficient assistance to Obamacare enrollees who received subsidies for their health care this year. (Ehley, 5/8)
The Fiscal Times:
States Scramble For ‘Plan B’ Ahead Of Court Ruling On Obamacare
With less than one month to go until the Supreme Court issues a ruling in King v. Burwell -- the case that could dismantle Obamacare -- some states are preparing contingency plans to avert a disaster if the court strikes down access to federally subsidized health care for their residents. ... As the court case looms, state lawmakers are considering setting up their own exchanges or using workarounds to assure that their residents who are enrolled in health coverage on the exchange can continue receiving federal subsidies. Nearly 87 percent of all Obamacare enrollees qualify for a subsidy, depending on their annual household income. (Ehley, 5/11)
And The Charlotte Observer offers coverage tips for new college grads -
The Charlotte Observer:
Toss The Cap, Raise A Glass, Then Check Health Insurance
Health insurance probably isn’t top-of-mind for graduating college students, but it’s one of those adult responsibilities that lurks after the caps and gowns come off. The lucky grads who have lined up jobs with coverage can move on to more exciting things. But the rest need to remember that the Affordable Care Act levies penalties for failing to get insurance – and nobody wants to face a fee of $325 or 2 percent of annual income at tax time next year. (Helms, 5/8)
