Where We Are With Obamacare And Where We’re Going
An analysis by a team of New York Times reporters finds that after almost a year, the Affordable Care Act has succeeded in delivering on its main promises but has also fallen short in some ways. Other reports look at how consumers could be in for some surprises when open enrollment begins next month, including the possibility of being billed for two different plans, and how the SHOP exchanges for small businesses have gone live in Illinois and Missouri.
The New York Times:
Is The Affordable Care Act Working?
After a year fully in place, the Affordable Care Act has largely succeeded in delivering on President Obama’s main promises, an analysis by a team of reporters and data researchers shows. But it has also fallen short in some ways and given rise to a powerful conservative backlash. (10/26)
The New York Times:
Insurers’ Consumer Data Isn’t Ready For Enrollees
With health insurance marketplaces about to open for 2015 enrollment, the Obama administration has told insurance companies that it will delay requirements for them to disclose data on the number of people enrolled, the number of claims denied and the costs to consumers for specific services. For months, insurers have been asking the administration if they had to comply with two sections of the Affordable Care Act that require “transparency in coverage.” (Pear, 10/25)
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Healthcare.gov Communication Issues Cast Cloud On Coverage Renewal
If you bought health insurance on HealthCare.gov for this year, you could be in for a few surprises when open enrollment begins next month. It’s possible, for example, that you could end up being billed for two different plans. The reason, insurers say, is because the federal government hasn’t addressed a key communications issue with the website. And if you haven’t updated your financial information on the online insurance marketplace, you could face higher premiums and get less of a subsidy than you deserve. (Shapiro, 10/24)
Connecticut Mirror:
Obamacare Enrollment, Year 2: What You Need To Know
The second sign-up period for insurance under the federal health law known as Obamacare begins next month. That means state residents who buy their own health plans will be able to shop for private insurance through Access Health CT, the insurance marketplace created by the health law. People can also buy coverage outside the exchange through insurance companies directly, or through brokers and agents. This year’s enrollment period brings some changes from last year, including a shorter shopping season, different plan options and a higher penalty for those who don't have insurance in 2015. (Levin Becker, 10/27)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Missouri, Illinois Small Business Health Exchange Opens Up
The online health insurance marketplaces for small businesses in Missouri and Illinois went live Friday morning, although in a limited capacity. The two states were among five to get early access to the Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP, website before open enrollment begins on Nov. 15. The early access period allows employers to create accounts, connect with brokers and upload an employee roster. Employers still won’t be able to purchase or see what plans will even be offered until November. And the site for workers to view their employer’s offerings is still not operational. (Shapiro, 10/24)
Minnesota Public Radio:
Dayton Defends MNsure Rate Hike Math As GOP Criticism Mounts
Gov. Mark Dayton defended his Commerce Department Friday, saying officials there accurately calculated that the average cost on health plans offered through MNsure would rise only 4.5 percent next year. (Scheck, 10/24)
