The Theme For Open Enrollment This Year? Rampant Confusion
Open enrollment for 2018 health coverage under the Affordable Care Act starts on Wednesday. But consumers across the country have been left scratching their heads -- if they know they even still need coverage at all.
Los Angeles Times:
Obamacare Insurance Markets Open This Week Amid Confusion And Uncertainty
Health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act begin accepting 2018 applications Wednesday amid mounting concern that the Trump administration’s repeated attacks on the law will dramatically depress enrollment. The marketplaces -- a centerpiece of the law commonly called Obamacare -- continue to provide coverage for some 10 million people. And they remain the only option for many low- and moderate-income Americans who don’t get health benefits through an employer or a government program such as Medicare or Medicaid. (Levey, 10/31)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Rising Premiums, Consumer Confusion As Covered California Enters 5th Year
As Covered California enters its fifth year, the health insurance exchange is facing challenges both old and new, from rising health premiums to widespread confusion among consumers over how their health plans may change next year — all while the president proclaims that the health law that created the exchange is collapsing. (Ho, 10/30)
KPBS:
Covered California Official Says Exchange Is Alive And Well
If President Trump had his way, Covered California would not even be in business. But despite the president's attacks on the Affordable Care Act, California's health insurance exchange is alive and well as it launches its fifth open enrollment period. (Goldberg, 10/31)
The Washington Post:
Fifth Year’s ACA Enrollment Season Opening With Daunting Obstacles
In Indianapolis, the director of the state’s largest organization helping people find Affordable Care Act insurance had to lay off nine of 13 staff members last month because the federal government had just taken away more than 80 percent of the grant that paid for their work. In Atlanta, festivalgoers at the annual Pride weekend in mid-October were mystified that members of Insure Georgia had a table set up, because they thought President Trump had gotten rid of the health-care law. (Goldstein and Eilperin, 10/30)