HHS Announces Limited 'Fixes' to Obamacare

April 14, 2017 40 view(s)
HHS Announces Limited 'Fixes' to Obamacare
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) yesterday announced a set of limited "fixes" to the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) going forward. "While these steps will help stabilize the individual and small group markets, they are not a long-term cure for the problems that the Affordable Care Act has created in our health care system," Seema Verma, the Trump administration official responsible for the markets, said in a statement. Four changes were announced:
  • The open enrollment period for 2018 will be cut in half, to 45 days.
  • Controls and curbs will be placed on special enrollment periods, a system allowing individuals to buy insurance outside of open enrollment, which insurers say has been routinely abused.
  • Insurers will be allowed to collect past premiums due before issuing a new, or renewed, policy.
  • Insurers will be allowed to design skinnier, less expensive plans for young adults.
A final rule establishing these ACA changes was published in the Federal Register on April 18, with an effective date of June 19, 2017. You can read the final rule here.
by

NOTE: The details in this blog are provided for informational purposes only. All answers are general in nature and do not constitute legal advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The author specifically disclaims any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the reliance on or use of this blog.

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