CHIRblog

As Self-Funding Increases in Popularity, Two States Step up to Address Potential Stop-Loss Policy Concerns

Posted March 11, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

In the wake of the Affordable Care Act’s insurance market reforms, policy experts have raised concerns that there could be greater incentives for small businesses to self-fund their health plans. Self-funding can be attractive for some small groups, but also can pose significant risks. In the wake of a white paper from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, two states have stepped up to address concerns. Ashley Williams has the latest.

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.

Final Rules Make Expanded Role Official for Some Navigators in 2018

Posted March 4, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

When the administration finalized Marketplace regulations for 2017 and beyond earlier this week, it officially expanded roles for Navigators. While much of what CHIRblog had previously described under the proposed rule from November has been retained in the final rules, Sandy Ahn provides a brief update of the additional Navigator duties.

Sharpen Your Pencils: One More Chance to Comment on SBC Changes

Posted February 29, 2016 by JoAnn Volk

Last week, HHS, Treasury and Labor released a proposed revised template for the Summary of Benefits and Coverage, giving the public 30 days to comment. JoAnn Volk provides an update on the long road to these changes, including key changes sought by consumers.

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.

Healthcare.gov Changing Approach to Special Enrollment Periods, May be Bumpy Road for Consumers

Posted February 25, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

The administration recently announced that it will require verifying documents from consumers with a qualifying life change for special enrollment periods. For consumers, this means more work and likely a bumpy road to accessing health insurance through healthcare.gov. Sandy Ahn takes a look at this change and what it may mean for consumers.

States Innovation Waivers under the ACA: A Closer Look at the Updated Federal Guidance and State Proposals

Posted February 19, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

Beginning in 2017, states can pursue “innovation waivers” under section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. These waivers allow states to pursue broad alternatives or targeted fixes to the ACA. In their latest blog post for the Commonwealth Fund, CHIR researchers Kevin Lucia, Justin Giovannelli, Sean Miskell and Ashley Williams examine the waiver applications that have been submitted so far, as well as activity in states considering a waiver.

Commonwealth Fund Tool Demonstrates Effects of State Efforts to Expand Coverage and Improve Enrollment

Posted February 18, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

The Commonwealth Fund has updated its interactive 50-state assessment of health system performance. Our colleague with Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, Sean Miskell, takes a look.

Obama Administration Creates a New Special Enrollment Period

Posted February 10, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

This is the first year that the marketplace is denying financial assistance to individuals who failed to file their 2014 tax return and reconcile their premium tax credits. Many of these individuals may not have had to file a tax return previously and cannot afford coverage in 2016 without financial assistance. Therefore, the administration is providing a special enrollment period for these individuals as long as they file a 2014 tax return and reconcile their 2014 premium tax credits before March 31, 2016. CHIR’s Sandy Ahn summarizes this time-limited special enrollment period.