Health Law Has Sparked Interest In Christian Health Care Sharing Ministries
The ministries, which require members to share colleagues' major medical costs, have seen a surge in growth following the implementation of the federal health law since it exempts members from the requirement to have health insurance. Also in health law news, a new Senate report looks at the failed state health co-operatives, news outlets report on the difficulties Minnesota's marketplace has had in getting out tax forms and a consumer guide helps answer tax questions on the health law.
The New York Times:
Christians Flock To Groups That Help Members Pay Medical Bills
When Chris Doyle learned that his health insurance deductible would climb to $10,000 last year, he and his wife, both evangelical Christians, “spent a couple weeks just praying,” he said. Then they opted out of insurance altogether, joining something called a health care sharing ministry, which requires members to help cover one another’s major medical costs as they come up. While such nonprofit ministries have been around for decades, interest in them has grown since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, largely because the law exempts members from the requirement to have health insurance or pay a yearly fine. (Goodnough, 3/10)
Fox News:
Failed ObamaCare Co-Ops Have Not Repaid $1.2B In Federal Loans, Docs Say
The dozen failed ObamaCare cooperatives have not repaid any of the $1.2 billion in federal loans they received and still owe more than a $1 billion in additional liabilities, according to recent financial statements to be cited Thursday at a congressional hearing. (Edson, 3/10)
The Pioneer Press:
MNsure Struggling To Send Out 1095-A Tax Forms As Deadline Nears
About 18,000 people who had MNsure plans at any time during 2015 have yet to receive their 1095-A forms, which are necessary to verify whether someone received any federal tax subsidies for their health plans. Some or all of the forms that have gone out have been missing a necessary line, forcing people to visit MNsure.org to look up the information online before filing their taxes. (Montgomery, 3/9)
Minnesota Public Radio:
MNsure Still Struggling To Get Tax Forms Sent
Staff members for Minnesota's health insurance exchange told the agency's board Wednesday that they are still struggling to finish the overdue tax documents that thousands of clients should have received more than a month ago. (Zdechlik, 3/9)
Kaiser Health News:
FAQ: What Are The Penalties For Not Getting Insurance?
If you’re uninsured, you may have questions about possible penalties for not having coverage. The fine may be bigger than you expect. Here are the details. (Andrews, 3/10)
