NGA Publishes Report on Maternal and Child Health Services Reforms
The National Governors Association reports states are pursuing policies intended to reduce healthcare costs, enhance outcomes and improve access to care for children and pregnant women.
HHS Grants $32M to Enroll Children in Health Insurance
In July, 22013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32 million in grants to help identify and enroll uninsured children who are eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Health Centers Given $150M to Help Uninsured Americans Gain Coverage
Approximately 1,200 health centers and 9,000 service delivery sites nationwide will receive $150 million in new funding from the Obama administration.
24 States Have Selected Benchmark Insurance Plans
24 states andWashington,D.C., have selected a benchmark insurance plan that will determine what health insurance providers must cover in health plans sold in state exchanges and individual and small-group markets.
Feds to Provide 100 Percent Funding for New Medicaid Beneficiaries
In March 2013, the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services announced a final rule that provides funding for states that expand Medicaid.
CMS Reverses Decision to Cut Medicare Advantage Rates
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reversed its decision to cut Medicare Advantage payments to insurers by 2.2 percent in 2014 and instead agreed to give them a 3.3 percent increase.
Congress to Review Advance-Care Planning Legislation
Congress is reviewing the Personalize Your Care Act, bipartisan legislation to provide Medicare and Medicaid coverage for voluntary advance-care planning consultations.
ACA Helps 105 Million Americans Receive Free Preventive Care
In the three years the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been in effect, approximately 71 million Americans in private health insurance plans received coverage for at least one free preventive healthcare service.
Government Partners with States to Offer Health Insurance Exchanges
With only 17 states and Washington, D.C., currently signed up to run their own health insurance exchanges beginning in October, the majority of states will participate in federal government-run partnerships with the help of a grant program.
Tax and Age-Rating Restrictions May Lead to Higher Insurance Premiums
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),the health insurance sales tax and age-rating restrictions will increase premiums for many, according to a report by Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm.