Health Law Fight Complicated By Shutdown, Debt Ceiling Battles
Fights over defunding the health law remain at the center of legislative battles eight days into a federal government shutdown and just a week before the nation hits its debt ceiling. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss the latest.
Across The Country, Consumers Carefully Weigh Rollout Of Marketplaces
Many people encountered obstacles when trying to sign on to the online insurance marketplaces Tuesday; others are holding out for later.
Monthly Premiums For A ‘Benchmark’ Silver Plan In Federally Run Insurance Marketplaces
This chart lists sample premiums in the 36 states where the federal government is running the online insurance marketplaces.
Obamacare In Middle Of Countdown To Possible Shutdown On Capitol Hill
The Affordable Care Act lies at the center of a last minute push to fund the government past Sept. 30. Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn discuss how the standoff is likely to be resolved.
In Most States, Policies Will be Sold Outside The Health Law Marketplace
Those plans must also provide the same “essential benefits” as the plans set up for the exchanges and have similar out-of-pocket standards.
Health Law Caught In The Middle Of Budget Fight
With implementation of major provisions of the law looming, Republicans see this fall’s budget showdown as their last chance to slow or stop the president’s signature legislation from taking effect. Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn discuss.
Different Types Of Marketplace Plans Expected To Be Available
Number of policies offered will vary depending on the state.
Health On The Hill: ‘It’s A Fire Sale On The SGR’
With the Congressional Budget Office projecting a reduced cost for a long-term “doc fix,” Congress may seize the opportunity to end the annual adjustments to Medicare reimbursement rates. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss.
Health Plans Won’t be Able To Drop Individuals From Coverage
Open enrollments will be held annually for beneficiaries.
Marketplace Premiums Likely To Mirror Plans Sold Privately
Individuals purchasing a policy outside the exchange won’t qualify for subsidies, however.
Individuals With Medical Conditions Will Not Pay A Penalty On Premiums
Older people will pay more than the young, and smokers could face a surcharge.
Each Marketplace Plan Must Offer 10 ‘Essential Benefits’
These include prescription drugs, emergency and hospital care and mental health services, among others.
Two Types of Subsidies To Help Cover Costs Will Be Available
Lower-income buyers may get help paying the premium and help on covering expenses such as deductibles and co-payments.
Applying For Marketplace Coverage Will Also Determine Eligibility For Subsidies
Tax credits to help pay for premiums will be available to people earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $46,000 for an individual.
Pathways To Housing: One Woman’s Story
Two years ago Pathways to Housing helped a homeless Alicia O. find an apartment and get regular medical care, the first steps on her way to changing her circumstances, and improving her life.
Health Marketplaces Open For Shopping Oct. 1
Coverage will begin Jan. 1.
Health Marketplaces Are Open To Nearly Everyone
But individuals who already have insurance through work, Medicare or Medicaid don’t need to shop there.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature that details readers responses to recent KHN stories.
President: GOP Shutting Down Government To Defund Obamacare Is ‘A Bad Idea’
Republicans have made it their “holy grail, their number one priority” to deny millions of Americans health insurance coverage through the 2010 health care law, President Obama said today.
Officials Face Obamacare ‘Data Hub’ Questions On Capitol Hill
Mary Agnes Carey speaks with Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn about two House committee meetings on Capitol Hill Thursday where IRS and CMS officials were grilled about implementing a system to verify consumer income under the health law.
