Live Insurance News

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Breaks Records But Faces an Uncertain Political Future

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Live Insurance News

Record ACA Enrollment Under Biden Administration The Biden administration has announced a groundbreaking achievement in health care access, with nearly 24 million Americans enrolling in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans for 2025. This record-breaking figure nearly doubles the enrollment totals from four years ago, solidifying the ACA as a critical pillar of American health care. The success is attributed to expanded federal subsidies, streamlined enrollment processes, and heightened outreach efforts under President Joe Biden’s leadership. The Role of Enhanced Federal ACA Subsidies A significant driver behind the surge in…

From Repeal to Rescue: Why Republicans Are Backing Affordable Care Act Subsidy Extensions

January 6, 2025January 5, 2025 Live Insurance News

Republicans Warming to ACA Subsidies Amid Healthcare Challenges A recent Forbes article has brought attention to a growing shift among Republican lawmakers regarding their stance on extending health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Commonly known as Obamacare, the ACA has long been polarizing, but this change signals a recognition of the program’s widespread impact. The subsidies, expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, have played a crucial role in making healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans. With these provisions set to expire at the…

The Rising Tide of Uninsured Americans and the Looming Threat of ACA Subsidies Ending in 2026

August 7, 2024August 6, 2024 Live Insurance News

Uninsured Americans Rise to 27.1 Million in Early 2024, CDC Reports The latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are sounding alarms across the healthcare landscape. More than 8% of Americans were uninsured during the first months of 2024, a significant uptick from the record-low uninsured rates observed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 27.1 million Americans of all ages lacked health insurance by March 2024. This marks an increase of 3.4 million uninsured individuals…

How Medical Debt is Devastating Millions of Insured Americans and What You Can Do About It

August 2, 2024August 1, 2024 Nordstrom

Medical debt is a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. Despite having health insurance, many people still find themselves facing unexpected medical bills that can lead to significant financial stress. According to a recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund, nearly half of insured working-age Americans received a medical bill or charge that should have been covered by their insurance. This article aims to shed light on the realities of medical debt, highlight key statistics, share personal stories, and offer practical advice for those grappling…

Health insurance access boost on its way to DACA immigrants

May 14, 2024May 13, 2024 H. Cutner

Health insurance - US Government - Health care

The Biden administration has expanded availability for those in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Biden administration has announced that expanded health insurance access will be rolling out for participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The announcement was made from the White House This health insurance announcement for DACA program members addresses a sensitive issue and has arrived at a time when elections are approaching. This move will open up the ability to enroll in coverage under the Affordable Care Act for about 100,000 people who…

Health insurance scam victims get almost $100 million in FTC refunds

April 22, 2024April 20, 2024 Nordstrom

Consumers previously charged for sham medical plans will receive refunds. The Federal Trade Commission has announced that consumers that were charged for Benefytt Technologies-marketed scam health insurance plans will receive a refund as part of a total $100 million. This is the outcome of an FTC complain from August 2022 Benefytt and its third-party partners allegedly ran a number of deceptive websites aimed at consumers who were shopping for comprehensive health insurance plans that were Affordable Care Act qualified. Agents were allegedly selling the Benefytt plans even though they were…

Virginia Senator Kaine seeks Affordable Care Act health insurance changes

April 19, 2024April 18, 2024 Logan B.

Along with Senator Baldwin, changes to the ACA Essential Health Benefits are sought Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are seeking to update the Essential Health Benefits in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans. The current ACA plans are required to cover 10 categories Among the categories Affordable Care Act health insurance plans must cover are mental health services and prescription drugs. According to Virginia Health Catalyst CEO Sarah Bedard Holland, failure to act will only allow the current medical debt crisis to worsen. “Four in 10…