Our Top Ten Health Insurance Policy Issues to Watch in 2020
CHIR is back from vacation and strapping in for a busy 2020. These are the top ten health insurance policy issues we’ll be watching – and writing about – in the year ahead.
Category: Implementing the Affordable Care Act
5th Circuit Decision in Texas v. U.S. Prolongs Uncertainty for Health Care Consumers, Markets
Perhaps knowing their decision would sow consumer confusion and market uncertainty, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals delayed its decision in the Texas v. U.S. litigation until after the close of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance coverage. CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette delves into the consequences of the long-awaited December 18, 2019 decision.
Updates from the MEWA Files: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Federal Enforcement Efforts
Last week, CHIR alumna Christine Monahan walked through common types of misconduct documented in the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) investigative reports and case files relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs), including association health plans (AHPs). In this third post in our series, she shares what these records show about DOL’s enforcement efforts and the harms that can result from lax MEWA regulations.
FAQ of the Week: What to Expect When Expecting Health Insurance
Now that Open Enrollment is over in most states, many consumers have enrolled into a health insurance plan. We’ve compiled a number of frequently asked questions from our Navigator Resource Guide to help inform consumers on what to do next.
Protecting Patients from Air Ambulance Surprise Balance Bills – Where Are We Now?
A recently released report by the Health Care Cost Institute finds that the average price of an air ambulance trip has increased significantly from 2008 to 2017, a Department of Transportation advisory commission is studying the industry’s billing practices, and legislation is pending in Congress to protect patients from surprise bills sent by air ambulance companies. CHIR’s Maanasa Kona and Sabrina Corlette provide an update on the recent activity.
FAQ of the Week: Who Qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period?
Open Enrollment in most states ends Sunday, December 15. After the enrollment period ends, in order to be able to sign up for ACA-compliant health insurance, you will need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We’ve gathered a few frequently asked questions about Special Enrollment Periods from our Navigator Resource Guide to help you know your options.
Updates from the MEWA Files: Self-Dealing, Derelict Administration, and Repeat Players, Oh My!
Last month, CHIRblog released a trove of investigative reports and case files from the U.S. Department of Labor relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements, including association health plans. CHIR alumna Christine Monahan offers the latest takeaways from her deeper dive into the records.
November Research Round Up: What We’re Reading
This month, CHIR’s Olivia Hoppe dug into studies on health care financing equity, insurer and consumer participation in the individual market, consumer plan decision-making, and access to specialty providers.
Navigator Guide FAQ of the Week: What Are the Risks of Buying Off-Marketplace?
Open Enrollment in most states ends in just about two weeks, on December 15. While consumers are weighing their coverage options, we know that affordability is top of mind. Consumers who are ineligible for the Affordable Care Act’s tax subsidies might be tempted to look outside of the marketplace for cheaper options. We’ve collected a number of frequently asked questions from our Navigator Resource Guide on how to spot junk plans.
This Thanksgiving, We’re Thankful for the Affordable Care Act’s Protections
It’s that time of year again. Our team at CHIR is heading far and wide for Thanksgiving, and as we gather around different tables, we’ll be sure to give thanks. One thing on our minds this season is our gratitude for the ongoing insurance protections provided by the Affordable Care Act. CHIR’s Rachel Schwab highlights some of the reforms we’re grateful for.