out-of-pocket costs

A Look at Proposals for Improving Health Coverage Affordability

Posted January 21, 2016 by CHIR Faculty

Welcome to 2016. With first votes being cast in the 2016 election cycle less than two weeks away and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) promising to unveil an ACA replacement plan to steer the 2016 party agenda, the policy debate on health reform is far from over. We here at CHIR are keeping an eye on reform proposals, and in this post, CHIR’s Hannah Ellison examines various proposals to improve affordability of coverage under the ACA.

Wondering What Marketplace Rate Increases Mean for Consumers?

Posted October 27, 2015 by CHIR Faculty

The third open enrollment season for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces begins on Sunday, November 1. The administration has released new data showing average health plan rate changes, with an average increase nationwide of 7.5 percent compared to 2015. Our colleague Tricia Brooks breaks down what these rate changes mean for consumers.

A Look at the Latest Controversy Brewing over the ACA: The Annual Limit on Out-of Pocket Costs

Posted August 10, 2015 by JoAnn Volk

The latest dust up in Washington is a fight between the Obama Administration and employer groups over the ACA provision that limits consumers’ annual out-of-pocket costs. JoAnn Volk looks at what the issue means for employers and consumers.

Republican Health Proposal Likely Means Less Coverage, Higher Costs, Fewer Consumer Protections

Posted January 28, 2014 by CHIR Faculty

A trio of Republican Senators have introduced legislation repealing the Affordable Care Act and detailing alternative reforms to the health care system. However, as noted in this blog by Edwin Park of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the bill rolls back important insurance reforms, makes coverage less affordable for low income people, and hobbles the Medicaid program.

Don’t Be Fooled – ACA Coverage is a Better Deal for Just About Everyone

Posted October 10, 2013 by

Some are questioning the adequacy of health insurance on the new marketplaces. But such concerns neglect to mention that these new plans will be a far better deal compared to what, up to now, has been available. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at the comprehensiveness of health insurance coverage, pre- and post-ACA.

It’s Not Too Late – Options for Employers and Insurers to Limit Out-of-Pocket Costs For Consumers Beginning in 2014

Posted August 16, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

A recent Administration decision allows employers and group health plans to delay an Affordable Care Act requirement capping enrollees out-of-pocket costs. In the second of two blogs examining the decision, David Cusano reviews the rationale for the delay and suggests ways insurers and employers can reduce harm to consumers.

Delay of Certain Cost Sharing Limitations under the Affordable Care Act: What does it Mean?

Posted August 15, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

This week the New York Times reported on an Administration decision to allow employers and group health plans to delay until 2015 an Affordable Care Act requirement to provide enrollees with a cap on their out-of-pocket costs. David Cusano takes a look at what the Administration’s decision says – and does not say – and what it means for group health plans.