Republicans’ Attacks On Health Law Ignites Surge Of Activity In States To Protect It
There are now at least nine states publicly considering their own version of the individual mandate. The movement is part of a bigger trend of some states taking matters into their own hands to shield the health law's protections as the federal government tries to chip away at it.
The Wall Street Journal:
States Look At Establishing Their Own Health Insurance Mandates
At least nine states are considering their own versions of a requirement that residents must have health insurance, a move that could accelerate a divide between Democratic states trying to shore up the Affordable Care Act and Republican states intent on tearing it down. Congressional Republicans in December repealed the so-called individual mandate, a pillar of the ACA, as part of their tax overhaul. That cheered conservatives who say people shouldn’t be forced to buy insurance, but it has now energized liberals who say a mandate is needed to ensure coverage and keep premiums low. (Armour, 2/4)
The Hill:
9 States Considering Individual Mandate Rules: Report
Nine states are considering laws that would require their residents to purchase health insurance, the The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. The proposals come less than two months after Republicans, as part of a sweeping tax code overhaul, voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) mandate requiring individuals to have health insurance. (Greenwood, 2/3)
Meanwhile —
The Associated Press:
Record Number Enrolled Through NY Health Plan Marketplace
More New Yorkers than ever are signed up for health coverage under the state's health insurance marketplace. State health officials say 4.3 million New Yorkers are now enrolled through the marketplace following the end of open enrollment on Wednesday. That's an increase of 700,000 from 2017. (2/2)
