HHS Draft Rule To Stabilize Market Highlights That Change Will Come From Legislation, Not Agencies
"None of this will fundamentally change the market,” says health insurance expert Craig Garthwaite of the rule.
Modern Healthcare:
Leaked HHS Draft Order To Fix Insurance Market Draws Mixed Reviews
The provisions in the leaked rule are consistent with some of the changes sought by insurers to get a better balance of healthier and sicker people in the risk pool, bring down costs and premiums, and make the individual market a more profitable business. ... But the proposed changes don't address what insurance industry leaders say are their most important needs if they are going to remain in the individual market in 2018. Those include congressional funding for the ACA's cost-sharing reductions, preservation of generous premium subsidies to keep coverage affordable, and restoration of risk payments to protect insurers that sign up disproportionately sick members. (Meyer, 2/7)
Politico Pro:
Trump Administration Weighs Obamacare Changes Sought By Insurers
The Trump administration is considering major changes to Obamacare that may help convince insurers to remain in the law's marketplaces while Congress drafts a replacement plan — but the proposals may also limit enrollment and increase costs for older Americans, according to documents obtained by POLITICO. The administration is looking to alter rules around insurers charging older customers more, how much cost they can shift onto customers, and who's allowed to sign up outside the standard enrollment window. ... POLITICO obtained two draft documents that were not identical but shared similar concepts. The administration is expected to soon release a proposed regulation — which may differ from these drafts — that it says will be an effort to stabilize Obamacare's insurance marketplaces. (Diamond, Haberkorn and Demko, 2/6)
