Most insurance companies selling health plans in the state’s individual market will get to raise customers’ premiums in 2016, but not by as much as they proposed, and one major carrier will have to lower its rates, according to decisions released by the Connecticut Insurance Department Saturday.
Affordable Care Act
Posted inHealth
Insurer coaches the newly covered through the health system
For those who gained coverage under Obamacare, learning to navigate the health care system can take more than an insurance card. This is the third in an occasional series of stories on health care issues in the wake of the Affordable Care Act.
Posted inHealth
Thousands of Obamacare customers at risk of losing coverage or subsidies
More than 7,000 customers of Connecticut’s health insurance exchange must provide additional documentation to maintain their coverage or the tax credits that subsidize their premiums – a process that has already led to confusion and, in some cases, lost coverage or subsidies, exchange CEO Jim Wadleigh said Tuesday.
Posted inHealth
Business, GOP question change on families’ out-of-pocket caps
Some employers say the administration is unfairly changing the rules that determine how much consumers can be required to pay out of pocket for medical care each year, and they’re worried it will cost them more.
Posted inHealth
Having health insurance is one thing, understanding it another
The complexity of health insurance and lagging levels of insurance literacy have long been a concern. But many experts say the problem is particularly urgent now that the federal health law has expanded coverage to millions more people, including many who have limited experience with insurance and some who speak limited English. Second story in an occasional series on major issues shaping health care in the wake of the Affordable Care Act.
Posted inHealth
CT removes age limit for infertility treatment coverage mandate
Health insurance plans sold in Connecticut will no longer be allowed to limit coverage of medically necessary infertility treatment to people under 40, according to new guidance issued by the Connecticut Insurance Department Thursday.
Posted inHealth
New England uninsured rate less than half the national average
Among New England states, 4.3 percent of residents were uninsured at the time they were interviewed, compared to a national average of 9.2 percent, according to the National Health Interview Survey.
Posted inHealth
The next big push: Getting people health care, not just insurance
Since the federal health law’s major provisions rolled out last year, much of the attention has been on getting people signed up for coverage. But increasingly, the focus is turning to what comes next: making sure those who gained coverage use it to improve their health, and ensuring that the health care system adapts to meet their needs. First story in an occasional series on major issues facing health care.
Posted inHealth
In insurance, premium isn’t the full price. Can a tool help shoppers?
Many people shopping for health plans look for the lowest monthly cost. But experts say that’s not necessarily the best buy. Connecticut’s insurance exchange is trying to reinforce that with a tool to help customers get a fuller picture of their potential costs.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
CT a leader in Medicaid dental care, but room for improvement
Medicaid’s mandated Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment provision, along with proven innovations in adult programs in forward-looking states like Connecticut, have proven that we can put good oral health within reach of the most vulnerable. The state of dental care in Medicaid is far from perfect, but it has worked for millions and can work for millions more. We should celebrate the program on its 50th birthday and commit to doubling down on dental care.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Murphy presses for mental health overhaul
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chris Murphy has teamed up with a Louisiana Republican to press for an overhaul of the nation’s mental health system at a time when Congress – stung by a rash of mass shootings by mentally unstable people – may be willing to consider changes.
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What does the Anthem-Cigna deal mean for consumers?
Experts say potential benefits of consolidation include economies of scale that can lead to reduced costs, while potential drawbacks include reduced competition that could have the opposite effect on prices.
Posted inHealth
Feds Push States To Negotiate Lower Obamacare Rates
The Obama administration is urging state insurance regulators to take a closer look at rate requests before granting them, and used one Connecticut company’s recent rate proposal to bolster its case.
Posted inHealth
Survey: 36% of CT Obamacare customers haven’t used their insurance
More than 100,000 people bought private health plans through the state’s health insurance exchange for this year, but a survey of customers found that more than one in three haven’t used their coverage and more than one in four don’t have a primary care physician.
Posted inHealth
CT insurance customers urge regulators to reject rate hikes
“Can you give us a break? I’m trying to provide the best health care for my kids and you make it more difficult each year!” one customer wrote to the Connecticut Insurance Department. “I might as well just drop insurance altogether. This is so discouraging.”