aca implementation

Why Should Health Insurance Exchanges Drive Higher-Quality Health Care?

Posted July 29, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

The Affordable Care Act requires the Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) participating in health insurance exchanges to report on quality measures and implement quality improvement strategies. In December, HHS issued a Request for Information Regarding Health Care Quality for Exchanges in preparation for implementing these initiatives. In this blog, Sarah Dash provides a real-life illustration of why these quality improvement efforts are needed.

Rate Review 2.0: The Next Generation

Posted July 26, 2013 by

Last week the Administration released its final rule implementing the ACA's insurance market reforms. Many of these provisions have generated deserved attention for the important protections they'll bring to consumers. Getting less attention, but just as important, are the rule's rate review provisions. Sabrina Corlette takes a look.

Diane Rehm Show Takes a Look at Workplace Wellness Programs

Posted July 26, 2013 by JoAnn Volk

The Diane Rehm show took a look this week at workplace wellness programs – what they are, how they’re working and how they may change under the Affordable Care Act. JoAnn Volk was asked to participate to discuss consumers’ concerns with these programs, and she shares some of the key highlights here.

Don’t Be Misled: Indiana’s Consumers Won’t Have to Pay $500 a Month for Health Insurance

Posted July 26, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

Indiana officials are suggesting that people will have to pay an average of $500 per month for individual market health insurance in 2014. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Sarah Lueck looks at the rate filings behind the press release and finds that figure to be highly misleading.

Federal Agencies Answer Another Round of Questions on ACA Implementation

Posted July 25, 2013 by

Yesterday three federal agencies released a set of Frequently Asked Questions about ACA implementation, addressing new employer requirements and the status of certain insurance products. Sabrina Corlette takes a look.

Welcoming New Arrivals to CHIR

Posted July 24, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

We at CHIR are excited to announce the arrival of two new colleagues who will be helping us navigate the world of health insurance and the new health insurance marketplaces. Please join us in welcoming David Cusano and Justin Giovannelli.

How Will Families Fare with the Workplace Wellness Rule?

Posted July 23, 2013 by JoAnn Volk

An often overlooked part of the workplace wellness rule is the application of “carrots and sticks” to family coverage, potentially making coverage unaffordable for families. In this blog, originally posted on the Say Ahhh blog at CCF, JoAnn Volk takes a look at how families fare under the proposed rule.

NAIC Appoints Former Senator Ben Nelson as New CEO

Posted July 23, 2013 by

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has appointed former Senator Ben Nelson as it's new CEO. As one of the NAIC's consumer representatives, Sabrina Corlette welcomes Senator Nelson to his new role.

Essential Health Benefits Final Rule: No Major Departures

Posted July 21, 2013 by

The Administration released its final regulation on the Affordable Care Act's requirement that plans cover a minimum set of essential health benefits. Sabrina Corlette took a peek and examines the pluses – and minuses – for consumers.

RIP, PCIPs

Posted July 19, 2013 by

On Friday, the Obama Administration announced that they were closing the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIPs) to new enrollment. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at the decision and what it means for consumers – and for implementation of the ACA.