The Connecticut Insurance Department plans to seek a court order to liquidate insurer HealthyCT at the end of the year, after an appointed overseer’s report that the nonprofit company – created with federal funds made available through Obamacare – is insolvent.
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Posted inHealth
With Obamacare’s future uncertain, CT exchange contemplates strategies
One person likened it to looking at a “foggy crystal ball.” Another spoke of changing a tire on a car that’s still moving. But others cautioned against speculating and emphasized the fact that, so far, nothing about the Affordable Care Act has changed.
Posted inHealth
‘We’re in limbo:’ For many in CT, Obamacare’s uncertain future is personal
The presidential election put Cindy Jalbert’s plans in limbo. She has type 1 diabetes and had been counting on the ability to buy insurance even though she has a pre-existing condition – something made possible through Obamacare. The uncertainty about the health law’s future has personal implications for many Connecticut residents. Some worry about the future of benefits they have come to rely on, while others are hopeful about the prospect of improving what they see as shortcomings in the health law.
Posted inHealth
Average Obamacare prices drop for those with subsidies, rise for others
Exchange customers who signed up for 2017 coverage and get federal help discounting their premiums will save a couple of dollars each month compared to what they pay now. But for those who don’t qualify for financial aid, costs are rising an average of $76, and for some, that’s after switching to plans with less coverage.
Posted inHealth
With Obamacare’s future in doubt, officials urge people to keep signing up
Come January, the nation will have a president and Congress that have pledged repeatedly to repeal Obamacare. But in the meantime, there’s a sign-up period going on for people to buy coverage through the insurance exchanges created by the health law. So what happens now?
Posted inHealth
Panel endorses strategies to curb health costs, redesign care system
The recommendations are aimed at curbing health care costs, but some members of the state’s Health Care Cabinet wondered if they will be too expensive. Another key recommendation faces opposition from one of the agencies that would be charged with implementing it.
Posted inHealth
What you need to know for the 2017 Obamacare open enrollment
If you buy health insurance on your own, or plan to, your chance to sign up for 2017 coverage starts next week. Here’s what you need to know, whether you’re new to the process or buying again.
Posted inHealth
ConnectiCare opens first health insurance store in Manchester
The store, in a 6,000-square-foot former brew pub space, is the first run by a health insurance company in Connecticut, but there’s precedent in other states.
Posted inHealth
With no broker fees, will Obamacare customers get enough shopping help?
About half of those who get coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange will need to change plans for next year. But the availability of a key source of help – brokers, who advised buyers of 40 percent of this year’s policies – will be significantly reduced, worrying some who say clients could struggle to get help picking the right coverage.
Posted inHealth
Yale Medicine could leave Anthem’s network Oct. 7
Updated at 11:55 a.m.
The contract dispute pits Connecticut’s largest insurer against a major group of clinicians, and could affect thousands of patients.
Posted inNews
Jepsen concerned about Anthem-Cigna deal, may move to block it
WASHINGTON — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said he is concerned an Anthem-Cigna merger would result in decreased competition and higher premiums and will make a decision in as soon as two weeks whether to try to block it in court.
Posted inNews
Insurance mergers face hurdles, increased opposition
WASHINGTON – The CEOs of the large health insurers hoping to close on historic mergers are telling investors and the public the deals are on track, but there still are a number of hurdles, and increasing opposition, to the deals.
Posted inHealth, Politics
CT signs off on Aetna-Humana merger, but other hurdles remain
WASHINGTON — The Connecticut Insurance Department has signed off on Aetna’s proposed merger with Humana, but other hurdles remain for that deal and another merger proposed by Cigna and Anthem.
Posted inHealth
Yeah, CT health care costs are high, but which ones are highest?
The amount paid for a cesarean childbirth and newborn care in the hospital, for example, averaged $20,107 in Connecticut – 26 percent above the national average of $15,917, according to data based on claims paid by three private insurance companies. But costs also ranged within the state, averaging $20,773 in the Bridgeport area, $19,715 in the Hartford region, and $18,915 in and around New Haven.
Posted inHealth
In fourth year, Obamacare exchange eyes broader role
This fall, Access Health CT will begin its fourth year of selling private insurance plans to Connecticut residents, as well as enrolling people in Medicaid. But its leaders are eyeing a broader role, focused on not just getting people covered, but improving health.
