Mindful Of Federal Fees, Oregon Mulls Running Its Own Exchange — Again
If it does so, though, Oregon officials say they will use another state's software. Also, Covered California hopes to boost enrollment in certain underserved communities, and MNsure extends the deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1.
The Associated Press:
Faced With Federal Fee, Oregon Reconsiders Own Exchange
With a new fee for some states using the federal health insurance portal on the horizon, Oregon says it’s looking into running its own exchange again, but with another state’s software. Oregon officials say they’re planning to solicit proposals this month for technology that’s successfully running an existing health insurance exchange. (Wozniacka, 12/11)
Kaiser Health News:
California Exchange Targets 'Hot Spots' With High Rates Of Uninsured
Reporting for Kaiser Health News, Barbara Feder Ostrov writes: "Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for health coverage that begins in January, so Covered California is boosting enrollment efforts in certain underserved communities." (Feder Ostrov, 12/11)
Minnesota Public Radio:
MNsure, Health Insurance Companies Extend Enrollment Deadline
MNsure and Minnesota health insurance companies announced on Saturday an extension of open enrollment for 2016 health plans. The joint announcement means Minnesotans now have until Dec. 28 to comply with the federal mandate that nearly all Americans have coverage Jan. 1 or pay a penalty. The deadline had been Dec. 15. (Zdechlik, 12/12)
In news on Medicaid expansion, Louisiana lawmakers are showing more interest -
The Associated Press:
Analysis: Medicaid Expansion Moving Closer To Reality In La.
Republican lawmakers who have repeatedly rejected efforts to expand Louisiana's Medicaid program and provide government-funded health insurance to the working poor are showing much more interest in the idea. It's hard to keep turning down the offer of billions of federal dollars for a cash-strapped state. But perhaps more importantly for the debate, the Republican governor who ran a failed presidential campaign that included strong opposition to the federal health care revamp is leaving office in January. (Deslatte, 12/13)
In other news related to how states may want to revise their health law programs -
Modern Healthcare:
HHS Guidance On State Waivers Sets Strict Rules Preventing Limited Or Expensive Coverage
HHS is working to ensure that the poor maintain coverage in states that end up seeking a 1332 waiver through new guidance posted Friday. According to a statute in the Affordable Care Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2017, states can request that the federal government waive basically every major coverage component of the ACA, including exchanges, benefit packages, and the individual and employer mandates. (Dickson 12/11)