As the insurance landscape begins to change and take a new form, the role of the Federal Insurance Office, a federal agency set up after the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, is being questioned. Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department hosted a panel regarding new insurance regulations. At the panel, consumer advocacy groups, legislators and regulators offered their views of the Federal Insurance Office and what role it should play in the future’s insurance industry. The opinions given were varied, with many consumer groups claiming that the…
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Supreme Court orders briefings ahead of health care showdown
In November, the Supreme Court announced that it would be hearing cases regarding the Affordable Care Act. Appeals from 26 states regarding the matter will come to a conclusion once the high court determines whether the health care law is constitutional. Before judicial proceeding can commence, however, the Supreme Court has ordered briefings regarding the issue. Those involved in the case are being called to explain their position and offer their perspective on the constitutionality of the health care law. To date, the Supreme Court has agreed to consider questions…
Read MoreHHS awards grants to 13 states, releases new FAQ to help lawmakers build policies regarding health insurance exchanges
The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $220 million to 13 states working toward building their own health insurance exchanges. The money is part of the Affordable Insurance Exchanges program which funnels money to states in order to help them adhere to the federal mandate. The money will give these states more flexibility when it comes to building an exchange, allowing them to explore alternative management systems and ways to make the exchange program more efficient. Exchanges are part of the Affordable Care Act and each…
Read MoreFederal government to give Hawaii over $14 million for its insurance exchange development
Hawaii will be receiving, $14,440,144 from the federal government in order to assist with the development and implementation of the Hawaii Health Connector, which is the state’s online insurance exchange. The exchange is meant to provide consumers with the ability to find healthcare plans that they can afford. The announcement of the upcoming funding was made by Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Representative Colleen Hanabusa, and Representative Mazie K. Hirono. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be providing the funding to the state through…
Read MoreVirginia Governor submits report to state Legislature regarding a health insurance exchange
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has brought a report to the state’s General Assembly this week regarding his stance on the Affordable Care Act and whether the state should pursue its own insurance exchange or leave the matter in the hands of the federal government. McDonnell is an ardent opponent of the health care reform, calling the legislation “unfounded federal intrusion” into a state’s governance. While he stands opposed to the law, how an insurance exchange might benefit consumers has not been lost on him. Virginian lawmakers are currently deliberating on…
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