Checking in on the NAIC: Work in Progress to Update Model State Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Sabrina Corlette

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) continues its work to support states’ implementation of the ACA. One work group is taking on the daunting task of updating dozens of model state health insurance laws to reflect the ACA’s new consumer protections. Sabrina Corlette joined their most recent call and provides an overview of their progress. Continue reading →

Reflections on Repeal Redux

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Sally McCarty

Last week marked the thirty-seventh time that the House has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Sally McCarty reflects on how that news may have been received by the millions of people who are already benefiting from the law’s early market reforms and, in particular, those formerly plagued by lifetime limits on their health insurance. Continue reading →

Breast Cancer Patient Had to Become a Fundraiser to Make Up for Insurance Plan Shortcomings

Posted on May 14, 2013 by JoAnn Volk

When Stacy Cook learned she had breast cancer, her health coverage fell short. In this latest story in our series, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take a look at how the Affordable Care Act will help ensure people have affordable, adequate coverage that’s there when they need it. Continue reading →

In the Midst of “Rate Shock” Fears, Insurers Request Lower Rates in Oregon

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Sabrina Corlette

An interesting thing happened in Oregon last week after the Division of Insurance publicly posted insurers’ proposed premium rates for 2014. After seeing their competitors’ prices, two insurers asked the Division to allow them to reduce their proposed rates. Sabrina Corlette examines these recent developments and their implications for consumers. Continue reading →

Race to October: Health Insurance Marketplace Readiness

Posted on May 8, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

On May 7th, the National Institute for Healthcare Management Foundation hosted a webinar on state marketplace development and the major milestones left to meet before open enrollment begins on October 1st. Allison Johnson listened in and has highlights from the panel of federal officials, industry representatives, and consultants. Continue reading →

Helping Consumers Understand their New Health Insurance Options: CCIIO Releases Model Renewal Notice

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Sabrina Corlette

This week CCIIO released new guidance and model language for insurers to use in communicating with consumers about their new health insurance coverage options. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at the guidance – and why it’s an important consumer protection. Continue reading →

A Busy Week in Health Policy

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Katie Keith

While we have certainly seen some busy weeks for Affordable Care Act implementation, we had not expected this week to be so filled with new federal guidance and key events on exchange development and other insurance reform issues. To help you (and us) keep up, Katie Keith has a quick guide on what is happening this week on Affordable Care Act implementation. Continue reading →

News from the Feds: Latest Round of FAQs on ACA Implementation

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Sabrina Corlette

In the last few days the federal government has released new guidance for insurance companies relating to the new health insurance marketplaces and the market-wide insurance reforms under the Affordable Care Act. Sabrina Corlette gives us a run down. Continue reading →

Taking Rate Review to the Next Level: New Report Examines Possible New Mechanisms to Bend the Cost Curve

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Sabrina Corlette

A new report from Oregon examines the effect of that state’s rate review program – and proposes innovative ways to use rate review to encourage higher quality, more efficient health care. Sabrina Corlette takes a look. Continue reading →

Potential Costs and Challenges in Boston

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Katie Keith

With much of the country still reeling from the Boston marathon bombings, many of the victims, as well as their families and friends, have already begun the long road to recovery. With estimates that total medical costs could be as high as $9 million, Katie Keith considers some of the costs and challenges that the victims might face in obtaining the care they need. Continue reading →

Center on Health Insurance Reforms

Blogging about health insurance coverage, insurance markets, and how people are affected by insurance reform