Kevin Counihan used to run the health insurance exchanges that serve most of the United States. Now he’s a customer. He talked to The Mirror about efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, why the health law has gotten more popular since Barack Obama left office, how to keep insurance companies from fleeing exchanges, and what can be done to make it easier to buy coverage.
Affordable Care Act
Posted inHealth, Politics
At Berlin forum, residents tell Larson to repair ACA, fight repeal
The forum was part of a national effort by congressional Democrats to hold town hall-style meetings in an attempt to showcase the importance of the Affordable Care Act and demonstrate significant opposition to repealing it.
Posted inHealth, Politics
GOP gives House members proposal to repeal, replace the ACA
WASHINGTON — The proposal, which will be considered later this month in a series of hearings, includes replacement of the law’s subsidies that help people buy insurance with tax credits based on a person’s age, not income, and elimination of federally mandated basic benefits in an insurance plan.
Posted inHealth
CT Obamacare exchange at a ‘critical crossroads,’ leader says
Jim Wadleigh cited a new IRS policy that could affect the individual mandate, a proposed federal rule aimed at stabilizing insurance markets, and the ongoing uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act’s future. The exchange also has a budget crunch to fix.
Posted inHealth
Here’s what we know about CT’s Obamacare insurance customers
Nearly one in three are 55 and older. Those who pay full price are younger, on average. And many live in Fairfield County.
Posted inHealth
CT uninsured rate among lowest in the country, report says
Connecticut’s uninsured rate was among the lowest in the country in 2016, but the report’s authors warned that the exact figure was potentially unreliable.
Posted inHealth
With demand already up, free clinics anticipate more need
Two days after a new free clinic opened in Stamford, “The phones haven’t stopped ringing and people are walking in, looking to make appointments,” the executive director said.
Posted inHealth
CT Obamacare exchange enrollment down 3.9 percent
The open enrollment period for Connecticut’s health insurance exchange ended with 111,524 people signed up for private health plans – approximately 4,500 fewer than last year.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Doc, now Rep. Petit, on health care, victims’ rights and small business
William Petit is one of 35 newly elected members of the Connecticut General Assembly, but he’s probably the only one whose November election made national news. He spoke with The Mirror about his new job as a legislator, changes in how doctors practice, diabetes, the federal health law, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s Second Chance Society criminal justice reform initiatives, victims’ rights, and the assumptions people have about him.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Some seek more oversight of Access Health’s funding
As Congress takes aim at the federal health law, some Connecticut legislators are raising questions about another aspect of Obamacare – how the state’s health insurance marketplace gets its money.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Aetna’s Bertolini: ACA has not met its goals
WASHINGTON — Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini said the insurer isn’t likely to expand its participation in state exchanges in 2018. Bertolini said he is working with the Trump administration on a transition to an ACA replacement.
Posted inHealth
With time running out, Obamacare signups lag amid uncertainties
With one day left in the sign-up period for private insurance coverage, the Connecticut health insurance exchange’s enrollment has slowed down compared to past years, and the marketplace’s chief executive thinks confusion about the future of Obamacare could be a factor.
Posted inHealth, Politics
ACA architect talks about ‘bad GOP math,’ uncertain replacement
WASHINGTON —Jonathan Gruber, an architect of the Affordable Care Act, predicts shakier insurance exchanges with the repeal of the law. In this interview he doubts congressional Republicans can find a reasonable, effective replacement.
Posted inHealth
Access Health to tighten midyear sign-up rules, restore broker fees
The changes were made in response to concerns that people are taking advantage of current rules to sign up only after they get sick, and worries that a lack of payments to brokers has affected enrollment.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Judge blocks Aetna-Humana merger
Updated at 4:35 p.m.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday rejected a proposed merger between Aetna and Humana, saying the $37 billion deal would “be likely to substantially lessen competition” in the Medicare Advantage market. Aetna is considering an appeal.