As one of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the nation’s insurance companies will be required to spend at least 85% of the money they collect from premiums on improving the quality of medical care. However, the law does not designate any governing body as the regulatory of the mandate. This has led Senator Dianne Feinstein of California to propose new legislation that would give the Secretary of Health and Human Services regulatory authority over proposed rate increases of 10% or more. Feinstein asserts that insurance premiums are rising…
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Hot debate over mandatory health insurance continues in court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit began hearing arguments earlier this week in what many legal academics are calling a crucial case. This began the challenge of examining two lawsuits charging that Congress exceeded its authority when it passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A board made up of three judges listened and debated basic points of constitutional law with attorneys for over two hours in the first appellate arguments. The appeals are based on decisions made by federal courts in Virginia. One federal court ruled that…
Read MoreThe battle over health care reform dominance continues with a few good swings
The newly enacted Health Reform law is taking hits again. The House Republicans voted to repeal grant funding for a part of the health care law that would create insurance exchanges across the states. These marketplaces would let individuals and (small) businesses shop and compare policies and their prices. The Republicans voted to deny the funding for the insurance marketplace plan, which is a key element of the reform law. The Republicans feel that it gives too much power to the government to set coverage and plan details. The Republicans…
Read MoreColorado: Health Insurance Exchange Provision Won Over by Majority
Colorado has been the scene of an intense legislative battle regarding health insurance exchanges. As part of the Affordable Care Act, the provision has enemies among the Republican, most notably in the Tea Party sect. However, the many high ranking members of the Republican Party support exchanges, saying that it will benefit residents of the state more than hurt them. Despite this support, the bill that would make the exchange possible was in peril late Wednesday night. Senate Bill 200 was originally proposed by Amy Stephens, the House Majority Leader.…
Read MoreAffordable Care Act: What will be the next move?
The federal government has been embroiled in a battle regarding last year’s health care reform. One of the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, and one that is most indignantly contested, calls for states to establish a health insurance exchange. Thus far, the federal government has provided states with funding to help them toward this goal. Republicans, many of whom oppose the health care overhaul, have been trying to bar the government from providing money to states for, what they say, is an unconstitutional measure. Late Wednesday, the U.S.…
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