Who’s To Blame For Premium Spikes This Year? Well, There’s Enough To Go Around
Insurers are still trying to overcome financial difficulties they've had under the Affordable Care Act, but uncertainty on the future of the marketplace due to turmoil in Washington, D.C., hasn't helped either. Meanwhile, even if President Donald Trump follows through on his threats to stop the "insurer bailouts" it could actually make plans more affordable.
The Associated Press:
More Health Insurance Woes Looming: Blame Trump Or Obama?
Another year of big premium increases and dwindling choice is looking like a distinct possibility for many consumers who buy their own health insurance — but why, and who’s to blame? President Donald Trump has seized on early market rumbles as validation of his claim that “Obamacare” is a disaster, collapsing of its own weight. Democrats, meanwhile, accuse Trump of “sabotage” on a program he’s disparaged and wants to dismantle. It’s more complicated, say some independent experts. As for blame, there’s enough to go around. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 5/17)
NPR:
Trump Plan To End Insurance Subsidies Could Lower Costs For Consumers
President Trump has been saying in recent weeks that the Affordable Care act, or Obamacare, is "dead." So he's threatened to cut off crucial payments to health insurance companies that help low-income customers pay day to day health care expenses. That plan, however, may just end up bringing more people into the Affordable Care Act insurance markets. (Kodjak, 5/16)
In other health law news —
The Hill:
Study: 6M With Pre-Existing Conditions Could Be Charged More Under GOP Plan
More than 6 million people with pre-existing conditions could face higher insurance premiums under the GOP’s ObamaCare repeal bill because of gaps in coverage, according to a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Under the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which narrowly passed the House last month, states would be allowed to waive the community rating provision of ObamaCare, which prevents insurers from charging more for those with pre-existing conditions. (Weixel, 5/17)
Stat:
Bill Cassidy Has Moderate Ideas On Health Care Reform. Will Anyone Listen?
Bill Cassidy has taught medical students; led efforts to vaccinate thousands of Louisiana schoolchildren; founded a community clinic that pairs uninsured patients with doctors willing to treat them; and after Hurricane Katrina helped to transform an abandoned KMart in Baton Rouge into a makeshift hospital wing. The first-term Republican has effectively spent his career on health care. Now, for the first time in his political life, with Republicans in control of Washington and intent on replacing Obamacare, he’s in a position to play a pivotal role in reforming the nation’s heath care system. (Facher, 5/17)
The Hill:
Durbin Okays Dem Meeting With GOP Centrists On ObamaCare
Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, said Tuesday it is alright if Democrats talk with two GOP authors of a more centrist Republican plan on healthcare because the pair is looking “beyond repeal.” Democratic leaders said Republicans must drop their efforts to repeal ObamaCare before any bipartisan talks can happen. Some centrist Democrats, though, met with Republicans in a meeting organized by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Monday night. (Sullivan, 5/16)