Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
More Consumers Rolling Dice And Going With Bare Bones Plans As Substitute For ACA Coverage
The Wall Street Journal: Bare-Bones Health Policies Are Cheaper Than ACA Plans—And Riskier Too
Sales are growing for a type of bare-bones health policy that offers a cheaper alternative to traditional insurance but leaves buyers risking big bills if they have major medical needs. Known as fixed indemnity plans, the products offer limited help, typically paying set amounts toward the cost of doctor visits, hospital days or other services. They generally carry restrictions on people with pre-existing conditions, and they aren’t considered true health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. But insurance agents say individuals are increasingly purchasing the plans as a substitute for ACA coverage, which has become far more costly for many people who don’t get federal subsidies. (Wilde Mathews, 4/18)
The Hill: Dem Senators Unveil Expanded Public Option For Health Insurance
A group of Democratic senators on Wednesday introduced an expanded public option for health insurance as the party debates the next steps to build on ObamaCare. The new proposal, called the Choose Medicare Act, was introduced by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), both seen as potential presidential contenders, though Murphy has said he is not running in 2020. (Sullivan, 4/18)
The CT Mirror: Murphy Introduces 'Medicare For More' Health Plan Option
Sen. Chris Murphy on Wednesday introduced legislation that would allow individuals and businesses to purchase Medicare coverage. A Medicare option would be available in all state and federal Affordable Care Act exchanges, according to Murphy’s bill, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. Medicare, a government-run health plan, is currently limited to Americans 65 years old and older. (Radelat, 4/18)
And in the states —
The Star Tribune: HealthPartners Reports Sharply Higher Income For 2017
Improvement in the state's troubled market where individuals buy health insurance boosted financial results last year at HealthPartners as the Bloomington-based health system continued to generate most of its net income from hospitals and clinics. In 2017, HealthPartners posted net income of $175.5 million, an increase of roughly 75 percent over the previous year when the health insurance business provided even more of a financial drag. (Snowbeck, 4/18)
