Julie Appleby

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@Julie_appleby

Trump’s DOJ Accuses Medicare Advantage Insurers of Paying ‘Kickbacks’ for Primo Customers

KFF Health News Original

The Department of Justice alleges that several major health insurers paid brokerages “hundreds of millions of dollars in kickbacks” to get agents to steer consumers into their Medicare Advantage plans, allegations the insurers strongly dispute.

The Ranks of Obamacare ‘Fixers’ Axed in Trump’s Reduction of Health Agency Workforce

KFF Health News Original

These fixers, officially known as caseworkers, unraveled complex and arcane health insurance rules to solve people’s coverage issues. They worked in a little-known federal department with which most consumers never interact — until they need help.

Tax Time Triggers Fraud Alarms for Some Obamacare Enrollees

KFF Health News Original

Consumers who were enrolled fraudulently in Affordable Care Act coverage could receive unexpected tax bills — the first and possibly only clue they were a victim of fraud. Getting help may become difficult as federal workers are laid off and funding for assistance programs is cut.

He Had Short-Term Health Insurance. His Colonoscopy Bill: $7,000.

KFF Health News Original

After leaving his job to launch his own business, an Illinois man opted for a six-month health insurance plan. When he needed a colonoscopy, he thought it would cover most of the bill. Then he learned his plan’s limited benefits would cost him plenty.

Bill That Congressman Says Protects Medicaid Doesn’t — And Would Likely Require Cutting It

KFF Health News Original

U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, a Long Island Republican, told his constituents that he voted for the House-passed GOP budget resolution because it protects Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. However, the bill charges a committee with making cuts that likely can’t be attained without slashing Medicaid.

Trump Health Care Proposal Billed as Consumer Protection but Adds Enrollment Hoops

KFF Health News Original

The proposal also would reverse a Biden administration policy that allowed “Dreamers” — immigrants in the country illegally who were brought here as children — from qualifying for subsidized ACA coverage.

Most Insurance Covers IUDs. Hers Cost More Than $14,000.

KFF Health News Original

The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover preventive care, including many forms of contraception, without cost to patients — but not if they’re “grandfathered” plans, which predate the law.

Trump’s Order on Gender-Affirming Care Escalates Reversal of Trans Rights

KFF Health News Original

The Jan. 28 executive order directs federal regulators to cut insurance coverage for hormonal or surgical treatments that help in young people’s gender transitions and cut federal funding for medical professionals or institutions that provide such care. It will likely be challenged in court.

Orden de Trump sobre procedimientos de afirmación de género pone en peligro los derechos trans

KFF Health News Original

Aunque está dirigida principalmente a programas de salud del gobierno, la orden también podría tener implicaciones para el sector privado y es probable que enfrente litigios por parte de los estados o grupos de defensa.

Trump’s Early Health Moves Signal Intent To Erase Biden’s Legacy. What’s Next Is Unclear.

KFF Health News Original

President Donald Trump issued a flurry of executive orders and other actions on health care soon after reentering office. Other than signaling he intends to reverse many of Joe Biden’s moves, the orders will have little immediate impact.

Employers Press Congress To Cement Health Price Transparency Before Trump’s Return

KFF Health News Original

Donald Trump’s first administration advanced rules forcing hospitals and insurers to reveal prices for medical services. Employers don’t want to risk backtracking during Trump’s second administration.

Federal ACA Marketplace Enrollment Lagging

KFF Health News Original

It’s open enrollment season for the Affordable Care Act — and there are ongoing challenges. First up, enrollment. New and returning sign-ups through healthcare.gov — the federal marketplace that serves 31 states — are well below last year’s rate. New enrollments were just over 730,000 in early December, compared with 1.5 million at the same time last year. To give consumers in those states more time to […]

Obamacare Sign-Ups Lag After Trump Election, Legal Challenges

KFF Health News Original

The number of new and returning enrollees using healthcare.gov — the federal marketplace that serves 31 states — is well below last year’s as of early December. Also, a Biden administration push to give “Dreamers” access to Obamacare coverage and subsidies is facing court challenges.

Elección de Trump y desafíos legales retrasan las inscripciones en el Obamacare

KFF Health News Original

Las nuevas inscripciones bajo la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA) parecen ser hasta un millón menos que el  número récord del año pasado, especialmente por problemas con el programa que enfrenta la saliente administración Biden.

Juez bloquea en 19 estados la norma que permite a Dreamers inscribirse en planes de salud de ACA

KFF Health News Original

Además de Kansas y Dakota del Norte, los estados que se unieron a la demanda son Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Carolina del Sur, Dakota del Sur, Tennessee, Texas y Virginia.

Federal Judge Halts Dreamers’ Brand-New Access to ACA Enrollment in 19 States

KFF Health News Original

A federal judge sided with 19 states seeking an injunction against a Biden administration rule allowing recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage and qualify for subsidies amid the annual open enrollment period.

Efforts To Curb ACA Enrollment Fraud Face Real-World Test

KFF Health News Original

The current Affordable Care Act open enrollment season is the first big test of new federal guardrails against fraud. The rules aim to head off unauthorized ACA plan enrollments or switches by rogue agents and entities looking to make money via enrollment commissions. Such sign-ups triggered more than 274,000 consumer complaints through August this year. […]