Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Judge Denies UnitedHealthcare's Attempt To Block New York's Risk-Adjustment Program
Modern Healthcare: UnitedHealthcare Loses New York Risk-Adjustment Battle
UnitedHealthcare's New York subsidiaries lost a court battle against a state program meant to level the playing field among health insurers competing for business in the small group market. A U.S. District Court judge on Saturday denied UnitedHealthcare's attempt to halt New York's risk-adjustment program, finding it "does not impede the federal program, but instead is complementary to" and "furthers the purposes of" the federal risk-adjustment program. (Livingston, 8/13)
Richmond Times-Dispatch: State Begins Study To Stabilize Insurance Markets, Lower Premiums
Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration will convene a new work group on Monday to consider options to stabilize soaring premiums in Virginia’s health insurance market. The Virginia Market Stability Group will consider a wide range of options to lower insurance premiums expected to average more than $833 a month next year, making coverage unaffordable to people who don’t qualify for federal subsidies for premiums or out-of-pocket expenses in the marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. (Martz, 8/12)
And more on short-term plans —
Kaiser Health News: Feds Urge States To Encourage Cheaper Plans Off The Exchanges
For those who make too much money to qualify for health insurance subsidies on the individual market, there may be no Goldilocks moment when shopping for a plan. No choice is just right. A policy with an affordable premium may come with a deductible that’s too high. If the copayments for physician visits are reasonable, the plan may not include their preferred doctors. (Andrews, 8/14)
The Fiscal Times: States Push Back Against Short-Term Health Care Plans
The Trump administration is promoting short-term health care plans as a cheaper alternative to Obamacare, but some state regulators are pushing back against the expanded use of the plans, which starting in October will be able to provide coverage for up to three years, according to new federal regulations released earlier this month. Some state officials worry that the plans, which typically provide a limited set of benefits and refuse to cover pre-existing conditions, will leave patients in the lurch – and stuck with enormous bills – when they need medical care. (Rainey, 8/13)
