Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Parsing Claims About The Cost Of Obamacare Plans
FactCheck.org/USA Today: Fact Check: The Great Health Care Premium Debate Continues
In the latest round of what's-happening-to-health-care-premiums, Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann wrongly claims that we're seeing "huge increases" in employer-sponsored plans, while President Obama touts historically low health care inflation, which experts say is mainly due to the slow economy, not the health care law. Both Bachmann and Obama were making competing arguments about the success of the Affordable Care Act, specifically on costs to consumers. (Robertson, 11/20)
The Fiscal Times: Obamacare Deductibles, Already High, Climb in 2015
Now that Obamacare’s health exchanges have been open for nearly a week, consumers have had time to shop around and get a better look at their options. While much attention is focused on the price of Obamacare’s premiums, a new analysis by HealthPocket takes a look at how deductibles on these policies compare to last year—as well as how they stack up against other types of coverage –like employer-based plans. (Ehley, 11/21)
In related news, Reuters offers consumer tips for comparing plans in both the health law's online insurance marketplaces as well as for Medicare -
Reuters: Medicare, ACA Care And How To Navigate During Enrollment
This is enrollment season for two huge public health insurance programs: Medicare and the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchanges. For older Americans, the overlapping sign-up periods can lead to confusion and enrollment errors. Insurers offering Medicare and ACA policies have big money at stake, and consumers are subject to a blizzard of marketing messages. Annual enrollment for Medicare prescription drug (Part D) and Advantage (Part C) plans began Oct. 15 and runs until Dec. 7; shopping for healthcare policies in the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA began Nov. 15 and ends Feb. 15. (Miller, 11/20)
