New Report Examines Early Indications of Insurer Participation and Competition in Health Insurance Exchanges

One of the key goals of the Affordable Care Act is to make health insurance coverage more affordable and consumer-friendly by managing competition among health insurers through the creation of health insurance exchanges. A new report from researchers at the Urban Institute and CHIR released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation explores state actions to encourage or require participation on exchanges, and early indications of the level of competition among health insurers. Kevin Lucia highlights some of the findings from the report.
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!
ACA Reforms Free Up Entrepreneurs to Focus on Their Business
New Report: States Going Above and Beyond to Create Sustainable Exchanges and Deliver Choice and Value to Consumers

In a new report for The Commonwealth Fund, Sarah Dash, Kevin Lucia, Katie Keith, and Christine Monahan provide a comprehensive look at the critical design decisions made by 17 states and the District of Columbia that chose to establish a state-based exchange for 2014. Sarah Dash has highlights from the report and discusses what the findings mean for stakeholders.
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.