Posted inHealth, Politics

Federal auditors say 22 million additional uninsured under Senate health bill

WASHINGTON — Federal auditors determined the Senate plan to replace and repeal the Affordable Care Act would result in 22 million additional uninsured people by the year 2026. Opponents like Sen. Chris Murphy, who called the bill a “humanitarian catastrophe,” seized on the Congressional Budget Office analysis as new ammunition in their fight to kill the legislation.

Posted inHealth, Politics

Senate considers stripping states like CT of abortion coverage option

WASHINGTON — As Senate Republicans meet behind closed doors this week to craft their bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, one of the most contentious issues is how it will affect the abortion coverage millions of American women now have as part of their health insurance policies. The American Health Insurance Act approved by the House severely restricts this coverage.

Posted inHealth

2018 exchange plans could cover fewer hospitals, doctors, drugs

Insurance companies that sell coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange next year will be allowed to cover fewer hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs under changes the exchange’s board approved Tuesday. Officials hope those changes could help offset rate increases caused by the increased price and use of medical care and prescription drugs.

Posted inHealth

Kevin Counihan on the ACA: ‘Whatever happens, Trump is going to own this’

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.

Posted inHealth

Insurance coverage mandates would face more analysis under Malloy proposal

The prospect of requiring health insurance plans to cover specific treatments or services is an annual debate in the Connecticut General Assembly, often pitting patients who faced problems against critics who say mandates raise insurance premiums. Now the governor wants to change the process – a proposal that’s drawn both praise and opposition.