Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
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Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
But advocates are concerned that insurers may find ways around the new requirements.
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
Experts tell KHN's consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
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.
Democratic legislators on Monday pushed Texas Department of Insurance officials to justify their proposed regulations for navigators.
People with HIV and AIDS can get private insurance, but advocates say that doesn't guarantee access to high quality care.
KHN's consumer columnist answers questions about provisions of the health law.
A growing number are starting managed care plans to boost revenue and gain more control over patient care.
"Churning" may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
You can take all the health law's tax credit up front to pay your premium or wait until tax time to get it, KHN's consumer columnist advises.
Enrollment of key group is hampered by language, cultural and technological barriers.
How valuable people find their new health coverage will help shape public opinion of the law going forward.
Experts say that potential trouble spots for out-of-pocket spending include prescription drugs; specialist care, including that provided by academic medical centers; and services such as physical therapy.
Going without insurance "is like gambling," says a 43-year-old social worker. But the high deductibles of Affordable Care Act plans make them a hard sell.
Those buying some bronze and silver plans could have to spend thousands before full coverage kicks in.
Even with lots of money and navigators at supermarkets and other places, Colorado is only about 17 percent of the way to the goal of enrolling 136,000 people by the end of March.
Health law backers have stepped up efforts to persuade people aged 18 to their mid-30s to give Obamacare a chance. Reaching this demographic group is viewed by many as one of the overhaul's biggest challenges.
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."
Some blame the health law, but experts say many of the trends fueling cost increases predate it.
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