The Obama administration has announced that it has shifted the power from the federal government to the states themselves in deciding the level of medical benefits that will be required for coverage by insurance companies beginning in 2014. The purpose of this move was to help to eliminate the chance that there would be a clash between the states and the federal government regarding a foundational element of the new healthcare overhaul. The new regulation means that state leaders will hold more control over the limits for health insurance even…
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Role of the Federal Insurance Office questioned at recent panel hosted by the U.S. Treasury Department
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…
Read MoreSupreme 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 MoreAlabama Insurance Exchange Commission to submit recommendations on a state-run exchange system by the end of this week
Alabama is moving closer to establishing its own health insurance exchange as the state’s Health Insurance Exchange Study Commission finishes its work this week. The agency was formed earlier this year at the order of Governor Robert Bentley. The agency was tasked with determining the proper course of action to take when the time comes to make an exchange program. The Commission plans to submit its proposals for the program later this week, at which point the state Legislature will vote on the fate of a state-run insurance exchange. Exact…
Read MoreAmerican Medical Association suggests physicians and consumers play a governing role in state-run health insurance exchanges
As states continue to show indecision regarding the establishment of health insurance exchanges, the American Medical Association has decided to enter the fray. The association, comprised of medical professionals throughout the U.S., has issued a number of recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services. The AMA has suggested a number of rules that would serve as protection for patients and physicians participating in the exchanges. The AMA has also stated that physicians and patients should have a governing role in a state’s health insurance exchange program. Though the…
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