Category: Implementing the Affordable Care Act

HHS Launches Outreach to Educate Public about Exchange Coverage; Unveils Name and Website for the Federal Exchange

With just under nine months to go until the open enrollment season begins on October 1, 2013, polls show that the general public is still largely unaware of the main provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Sarah Dash takes a look at the new Health Insurance Marketplace website unveiled by HHS to educate the public about health insurance exchanges.

The ACA’s Valentine to Veronica and Her Family: Peace of Mind

In this latest story in our ongoing series, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we look at how the ACA's ban on insurers discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions helps one family look ahead to their daughter's future with more security. JoAnn Volk brings us one family's story.

FAQs and RFCs, Oh My!

Last week HHS issued another round of Frequently Asked Questions, addressing the Basic Health Program, and a Request for Comment on agent/broker data collection. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at both.

Breaking Down the NAIC’s Comments

In comments to federal regulators on recent proposed rules, the NAIC added its voice to the chorus of stakeholders who have weighed in on some of the Affordable Care Act’s most significant protections. Katie Keith has highlights from the NAIC's four comment letters on the 2014 market reforms, essential health benefits, multi-state plans, and the rate review template.

Market Reforms Roundup: New Report on State Action on 2014 Market Reforms

In our most recent issue brief for the Commonwealth Fund, CHIR researchers studied the progress states have made to date in implementing the 2014 market reforms and found that most states have yet to move forward with changes they need. Katie Keith discusses the actions that states have taken so far and what our findings mean for federal and state regulators as they implement the Affordable Care Act.

Multi-State Plan Program Final Rule: OPM's Balancing Act

The Office of Personnel Management recently issued a final rule on the multi-state plan program in which it attempts to standardize contracting processes and state rules to, in theory, make it easier for insurers to enter new markets while limiting the extent to which multi-state plan issuers can bypass state consumer protections and preserving a level playing field in exchanges. Christine Monahan discusses how OPM has attempted to balance these competing pressures and discusses where multi-state plans may or may not have flexibility.

The “How To” Guide to the Federally Facilitated Exchange

Last week CMS released a set of instructions to insurance companies seeking to sell plans in the federally facilitated exchanges. Sabrina Corlette took a look at some of the details and provides some of the plan management highlights.

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