Category: Implementing the Affordable Care Act
RIP, PCIPs
Are the Wheels Coming off the ACA Wagon? History Suggests Not

There’s been a lot of angst lately about strategic decisions by the Obama Administration to delay elements of the Affordable Care Act. In a blog that originally appeared on the Hill’s Congress blog, Sabrina Corlette and her Georgetown colleague Jack Hoadley note that the Bush Administration made similar decisions to delay, phase-in, and waive key elements of the Medicare Part D law in response to implementation challenges.
Health Reform at Work: Lower Rates in New York State
Final Regulations on Navigators, In-Person Assisters and Certified Application Counselors

It was another hot summer Friday for regulations with the release of the final rule on navigator and non-navigator assisters (aka in-person assisters) and Exchange-based certified application counselors (CACs). Our colleague with Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, Tricia Brooks, dives in on what the rules mean for consumers.
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.
Deeds Not Words: Senate Finance Committee Explores Health Insurance Exchange Progress
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!
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.