New York Predicts 470,000 Will Enroll In New Low-Cost Option Under Health Law
The Essential Plan, available under the Affordable Care Act starting in 2016, is aimed at consumers who can't afford private coverage and don't qualify for Medicaid. In other news, California unveils a sweeping set of reforms for its exchanges.
The Associated Press:
NY Health Exchange Expects 470,000 To Insure With New Option
The state's health exchange expects to enroll more than 470,000 New Yorkers in its new low-cost option for coverage this year. Testifying at an Assembly hearing this week, exchange Executive Director Donna Frescatore said New York chose to participate with the Essential Plan. The plan is an option under the federal Affordable Care Act starting in 2016. It's aimed at adults who don't qualify for Medicaid but have been unable to afford private coverage. (4/9)
Kaiser Health News:
California Insurance Marketplace Imposes New Quality, Cost Conditions On Plans
Kaiser Health News staff writers Ana B. Ibarra and David Gorn report: "Moving into a realm usually reserved for health care regulators, the California health marketplace Thursday unveiled sweeping reforms to its contracts with insurers, seeking to improve the quality of care, curb its cost and increase transparency for consumers. The attempt to impose quality and cost standards on health plans and doctors and hospitals appears to be the first by any Obamacare exchange in the nation." (Ibarra and Gorn, 4/8)
