More Immigrants Losing Coverage Because Of Change In Health Law Procedures
More than 400,000 had their insurance canceled, nearly four times as many as last year, The Associated Press reports. Also, a look at the "Cadillac tax" that takes effect in 2018 on generous employer-provided plans, and an examination of the health law's accountable care organizations, which were designed to save Medicare money but haven't done that yet.
The Associated Press:
Big Jump In Number Of Immigrants Losing Health Law Coverage
A change in government procedures has led to a big jump in people losing coverage under the Obama health care law because of immigration and citizenship issues. More than 400,000 had their insurance canceled, nearly four times as many as last year. The Obama administration says it is following the letter of the law, and this year that means a shorter time frame for resolving immigration and citizenship issues. But advocates say the administration's system for verifying eligibility is seriously flawed, and consumers who are legally entitled to benefits are paying the price. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 9/12)
The Columbus Post-Dispatch:
Excise Tax On ‘Cadillac’ Plans Pegged At $3B
Don’t be surprised if you feel a pinch during open enrollment this fall, especially if you’re generally pleased with the generosity of your employer’s health benefits. A looming federal excise tax might be partly to blame. In 2018, the so-called Cadillac tax will take effect and is expected to cost U.S. employers about $3 billion, according to a report last month by the Congressional Research Service. That amount is expected to continue to grow in subsequent years. (Sutherly, 9/14)
Kaiser Health News:
Medicare Yet To Save Money Through Heralded Medical Payment Model
A high-profile Medicare experiment pushing doctors and hospitals to join together to operate more efficiently has yet to save the government money, with nearly half of the groups costing more than the government estimated their patients would normally cost, federal records show. (Rau and Gold, 9/14).
Kaiser Health News also has ACO performance data for 2014.
Kaiser Health News:
Accountable Care Organizations, Explained
ACOs have become one of the most talked about new ideas in Obamacare. Here are answers to some common questions about how they work. (Gold, 9/14).
You can also watch the accompanying video that explains ACOs.
Meanwhile, on the subject of Medicaid expansion -
The Associated Press:
Utah Doctor Group Opposed To Helping Pay For Medicaid Plan
A Utah doctors' group has come out against a proposal from state officials to tax physicians and others to defray the cost of expanding Medicaid. Utah Medical Association CEO Michelle McOmber said physicians get paid less when they see patients covered by Medicaid and doctors shouldn't be required to help pay the $78 million annual cost of growing the government program. (Price, 9/11)
