Democrats are pressing for the extension of subsidies in the GOP-backed continuing resolution to fund the government. Republicans stand firm in putting off those negotiations until later. Top lawmakers from both parties are set to meet with the president today.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today it is implementing important measures to expand access to more affordable catastrophic health coverage through HHS’ new hardship exemption guidance. This guidance streamlines access to more affordable catastrophic coverage for consumers who are ineligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) or cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
Through these efforts, more Americans will be able to qualify for catastrophic health coverage based on need, beginning November 1st with the start of open enrollment. Catastrophic plans generally have lower monthly premiums, are designed to protect consumers from very high medical costs in the event of serious illness or injury, and are required to cover three primary care visits pre-deductible. Consumers under the age of 30
Read More
A federal judge has temporarily blocked implementation of key provisions of a Trump administration rule that would impact enrollment and consumer costs in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplaces.
The final rule would tighten enrollment verification processes, adjust payment formulas, and change premium structures for the marketplaces. The Trump administration has said the changes would improve program integrity and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.
The plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the rule, City of Columbus v. Kennedy, sought an emergency stay of eight of the rule’s provisions. On Friday, August 22, a federal district court judge in Maryland granted a nationwide stay barring the implementation of six of the provisions (the judge’s order states that the stay affects seven provisions, but this is apparently an
Read More