Parsing The President’s 9 Million Enrollees
Nine million. That’s the number President Barack Obama touted last night as having signed up for health insurance. That total is important to supporters as a sign that the law is working — and as an indication of the difficulties Republicans would face to rescind the law or roll back certain provisions. Critics have pointed out […]
Report: Effort To Curb Health Costs Should Be ‘Led By The States’
Governors and other state leaders have the leverage to slow rising health costs and should not wait for action by the federal government, a commission chaired by two former governors said in a report Wednesday. State leaders can use their clout as large purchasers of health care as well as regulators to set goals for health […]
Former HHS Head Offers His Take On Health Law’s Problems
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law’s insurance marketplaces.
Consumers Beware: Not All Health Plans Cover A Doctor’s Visit Before The Deductible Is Met
Those buying some bronze and silver plans could have to spend thousands before full coverage kicks in.
Health Insurers Scramble Toward Jan. 1 Coverage Deadlines
Rule changes and deadline shifts have complicated the efforts of health insurance companies to prepare for a wave of new customers and “post-enrollment snafus.”
Expect To Pay More For Your Employer-Sponsored Health Care Next Year
Some blame the health law, but experts say many of the trends fueling cost increases predate it.
Marketplace Plans’ Networks Are Very Small, Study Finds
To keep premium prices down for individuals and small businesses buying coverage through new online marketplaces, insurers have created smaller networks of hospitals. But consumers and policy experts have wondered, just how small? Turns out, many are very small. “About two-thirds of hospital networks on the exchanges are narrow or ultra-narrow,” said Paul Mango, a director at the consulting […]
Iowa Wins Approval To Expand Medicaid By Using Federal Funds To Buy Private Plans
The Obama administration Tuesday granted Iowa much of what it requested to move forward with a Medicaid expansion through the use of private insurance plans but refused to allow the state to charge premiums for those who earn less than the federal poverty level. If the state accepts the terms of the agreement, it would […]
Report: Most States Do A Poor Job Informing Consumers About Physician Quality
When it comes to providing consumers with easily accessible information about physician quality, a report out today gave most states grades of ‘D’ or ‘F,’ often because they compile data only about primary care doctors, not specialists. Washington state and Minnesota were the only states that got an A from the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute, a […]
8 Senate Democrats Seek Obamacare Enrollment ‘Alternative’
Eight Senate Democrats — including key leadership member Charles Schumer of New York — told the Obama administration Monday that they “continue to be troubled by the ongoing technical difficulties” with healthcare.gov and want an alternative way for insurers and web-based brokers to enroll subsidy-eligible consumers. “There are long-term advantages to providing Americans multiple ways […]
Administration Tests Fixes That Would Allow Insurers, Brokers To Enroll More Consumers
Changes that would allow the companies to enroll subsidy-eligible individuals are being tried in Texas, Ohio and Florida.
President’s Cancellation ‘Fix’ Likely To Affect A Limited Number Of Consumers
Many state regulators, insurers have yet to decide on whether to OK renewals of canceled policies.
What Consumers Need To Know About The Obama Plan For Canceled Health Policies
Under the president’s plan, insurers will be permitted to extend this year’s policies into next year, but it’s far from clear that insurers will want to follow through. Some state regulators may not even let them.
Make Tax Day Also Enrollment Deadline, One Health Expert Says
With one small fix, the administration could satisfy calls from some members of Congress to extend the time people have to enroll in new health insurance through online marketplaces, a health policy expert says. The fix would not create problems in the industry and would move the deadline to a point when many people have […]
Popular Provision Of Obamacare Is Fueling Sticker Shock For Some Consumers
Barring insurers from rejecting people with medical problems or charging them more is the biggest of several factors affecting premiums.
Why Insurers Cancel Policies, And What You Can Do When It Happens
Many people are receiving cancellation notices as the health law transforms the individual insurance market.
How Long Does Obama Have To Fix Healthcare.gov?
If the bugs are not repaired by mid-November, fewer young and healthy people may enroll in new plans, spurring future price hikes and other problems, say experts.
Thousands Of Consumers Get Insurance Cancellation Notices Due To Health Law Changes
Insurers say the old policies fail to meet the law’s requirements, but some consumers complain about being forced to buy more expensive policies.
Why Some Virginia Health Plans Cost So Much
How states resolve questions over whether to mandate coverage of specialized treatments, such as gastric bypass surgery, can have a big impact on premiums.
Marketplace Plans Vary Widely In Costs, Within Counties And Across The Country
Even the same plan can carry dramatically different price tags in different areas
