Health reform

HHS Study Shows Benefits of Shopping and Subsidies, but Costs Still a Concern

Posted April 18, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

With health insurers’ rate filings looming on the horizon, many are concerned we’ll see proposed premium increases for 2017. But a report released last week demonstrates that, behind the headlines, consumers are likely to see more affordable premiums after they’ve shopped for the best deal. At the same time, another study shows that consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for health services are steadily rising. Sean Miskell has the details.

CHIR Expert Testifies Before U.S. House Education & Workforce Committee about Innovations in Health Care

Posted April 14, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

On Thursday, April 14, CHIR’s own Sabrina Corlette testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee. The hearing focused on innovations in employer-sponsored health insurance, and included discussion of workplace wellness programs, private insurance exchanges, and multi-payer delivery system reform efforts.

Missouri’s Health Reform Assisters Triumph In Court

Posted April 5, 2016 by Emily Curran

Health reform advocates experienced a win last month, when a federal court in Missouri struck down three sections of a state law that interfered with the ability of health insurance navigators and other in-person assisters to help consumers understand and enroll in new coverage options. CHIR’s own Emily Curran reviewed the court’s decision and provides some takeaways.

President Obama’s Budget Takes State-Level Debates over Surprise Out-of-Network Bills to National Policymakers

Posted March 28, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

President Obama’s 2017 budget includes a new proposal to help protect consumers from unexpected charges by out-of-network providers. In a recent blog post for Health Affairs, Sandy Ahn, Jack Hoadley and Sabrina Corlette discuss the proposal in the context of recent state actions to counter balance billing.

Insurance Company Earnings Calls—A Useful Resource for Your Toolbox

Posted March 22, 2016 by Emily Curran

The quarterly earnings calls of publicly traded health insurance companies can provide insights into major business developments, as well as how company executives expect market trends and policy actions to affect future performance. CHIR’s Emily Curran regularly listens into these calls and highlights how they can be useful for health policy wonks.

Report Provides (Some) Insight on Network Adequacy as New Regulations Promise More

Posted March 17, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) analyzes the relative adequacy of provider networks of health plans sold through the new insurance marketplaces and those offered through state Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). Sean Miskell, our colleague at Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, takes a look.

Tax Filing Preparation: FAQs in the Navigator Resource Guide

Posted March 16, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

It’s tax time, so consumers are figuring out how to report their health insurance coverage as they prepare to file. CHIR’s Navigator Resource Guide has answers to some frequently asked questions. Hannah Ellison shares highlights.

IRS Issues Guidance on Overlapping Medicaid and Marketplace Coverage

Posted March 10, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

At last, the Internal Revenue Service has released guidance about what to do when a consumer has overlapping coverage through Medicaid and the Marketplace. Our colleague Tricia Brooks of Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families has the details.

Not a Pretty Picture for Obamacare CO-OPs: 2015 Financial Losses Spike

Posted March 7, 2016 by

The latest financial filings with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners show that 2015 was a rough year for the CO-OP plans created under the ACA. CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette takes a look at some of the reasons the CO-OPs have struggled.

A Roadmap For Getting Enrollment Right for Immigrant Families

Posted February 26, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

The Affordable Care Act brought the promise of affordable coverage to many lawfully present immigrants but many continue to face challenges when applying through healthcare.gov. Our colleague Sonya Schwartz of Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families shares the top takeaways from her recently published report, which provides a roadmap that the marketplaces can use to to smooth the path to enrollment for immigrant families.