Updates from the MEWA Files: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Federal Enforcement Efforts

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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.

Insurers Report on Their Q3 Financial Earnings: Marketplace Profitability, Retail Partnerships, and More

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Last month, health insurers reported on their third-quarter (Q3) financial earnings, offering insights on their yearly performance to date and commenting on the market and regulatory challenges they see ahead. CHIR reviewed the quarterly filings and earnings call transcripts for seven publicly traded health insurers, and found that many continue to experience financial stability in the individual market and are closely monitoring major policy changes that could have an impact on their businesses moving forward.

Protecting Patients from Air Ambulance Surprise Balance Bills – Where Are We Now?

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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?

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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.

November Research Round Up: What We’re Reading

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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?

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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

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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.

October Research Round Up: What We’re Reading

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For the October Research Round Up, CHIR’s Olivia Hoppe dives into studies on the potential effects of health care reform options, sustaining a low uninsured rate in California, and the effects of state-run reinsurance programs on premiums.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the individual blog post authors and do not represent the views of Georgetown University, the Center on Health Insurance Reforms, any organization that the author is affiliated with, or the opinions of any other author who publishes on this blog.