SURGE IN LAST-MINUTE ENROLLMENTS FOR OBAMACARE 24.9K
Total Views: 56 Could Obamacare provide impetus for a county hospital in East County? By Miriam Raftery December 29, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Consumers signing up for new healthcare options or “Obamacare” through Healthcare.gov rose seven-fold in December, when over 975,000 people enrolled. From October 1 through December 24, a total of 1.1 million people signed up for the new health insurance marketplaces nationwide. Over a million more signed up through state websites, bringing the total to two-thirds of the 3 million goal set by the White House. Marilyn Tavenner, administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, called this a “welcome surge in enrollment as millions of Americans seek access to affordable heatlh care coverage,” adding hat the surge came in part because “we met our marks on improving HealthCare.gov.” She added that the site supported 83,000 concurrent users on December 23rd alone before the deadline to sign up for coverage starting January 1. You can still sign up by January 15 for coverage that will start February 1. In California, the website to learn about health exchange options in our state is https://www.coveredca.com/. Nationally, the site is https://www.healthcare.gov. The next challenge for the Obama administration will how the implementation of healthcare coverage rolls out. Potential glitches could occur in the system if records of individuals signed up fail to be processed promptly, for example, leaving doctors to either require payment up front or trust patients who say that coverage is in place. Thus far the federal healthcare reforms have enabled many low income individuals to qualify for low-cost healthcare. Though that’s still a small fraction of the 41 million Americans without health insurance, administration officials are hoping enrollment will continue to increase before the March deadline when mandates for people to have health insurance kick in. The rollout has had flaws, notably the initial website that proved to be unable to handle the large volume of visitors initially. President Barack Obama also drew criticism for not living up to a promise that people could keep their existing policies if they choose. The President extended the option to keep existing insurance for a year, but California opted not to allow the extension of existing plans. So some consumers have had existing plans cancelled and found themselves forced to pay higher rates for private insurance if their incomes were to high to qualify for subsidies under Obamacare plans. In 2014, insurance plans will have to comply with standards set by the federal government, which could improve the quality of coverage for many Americans even if they did not purchase Obamacare.A rollout of federal healthcare options for businesses has been delayed by one year. The prospect of many more East County residents having insurance raises an intriguing potential benefit. Mark Arabo, president of the Neighborhood Markets Association representing Chaldean-owned businesses locally, told ECM that Supervisors in the past have balked at approving a County hospital in East County. Supervisors cited the high number of uninsured residents that they feared would hike up costs. “Now that everyone has to have insurance,” Arabo conculded, “We’re going to go back and ask them to reconsider that, because everyone should have access to affordable healthcare.” Printer-friendly version
24.9K viewsHEALTH CARE LAW’S PROVISIONS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH TAKE EFFECT; FREE PREVENTATIVE CARE NOW AVAILABLE 5.3K
Total Views: 21 August 2, 2012 (Washington D.C.) Effective August 1, 47 million women across America have access to eight new prevention-related health care services without paying more out of their own pocket, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced yesterday. The new benefits range from wellness checkups to domestic violence screenings, birth control, and free screenings for HIV (the AIDS virus), sexually-transmitted diseases, and gestational diabetes. The benefits are required to be covered free under many, though not all, healthcare plans. Previously some insurance companies did not cover these preventive services for women at all under their health plans, while some women had to pay deductibles or co-pays for care needed to stay healthy. The new rules in the health care law requiring coverage of these services take effect at the next renewal date – on or after Aug. 1, 2012—for most health insurance plans. For the first time ever, women will have access to even more life-saving preventive care free of charge. According to a new HHS report also released, approximately 47 million women are in health plans that must cover these new preventive services at no charge. Women, not insurance companies, can now make health decisions that will keep them healthy, catch potentially serious conditions at an earlier state, and protect them and their families from crushing medical bills. “President Obama is moving our country forward by giving women control over their health care,” Secretary Sebelius said. “This law puts women and their doctors, not insurance companies or the government, in charge of health care decisions.” The eight new prevention-related services are: Well-woman visits. Gestational diabetes screening that helps protect pregnant women from one of the most serious pregnancy-related diseases. Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling. FDA-approved contraceptive methods, and contraceptive education and counseling. Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling. HPV DNA testing, for women 30 or older. Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually-active women. HIV screening and counseling for sexually-active women. The health care law has already helped women in private plans and Medicare for the first time gain access to potentially life-saving tests and services, such as mammograms, cholesterol screenings, and flu shots without coinsurance or deductibles. Today’s announcement builds on these benefits, generally requiring insurance companies to offer, with no copay, additional vital screenings and tests to help keep women healthy throughout their lives. These services are based on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, which relied on independent physicians, nurses, scientists, and other experts as well as evidence-based research to develop its recommendations. These preventive services will be offered without cost sharing beginning today in all new health plans. Group health plans and issuers that have maintained grandfathered status are not required to cover these services. In addition, certain nonprofit religious organizations, such as churches and schools, are not required to cover these services. Some provisions, such as birth control coverage, have drawn opposition from religious conservatives. The Obama administration indicates it will continue to work with all employers to give them the flexibility and resources needed to implement the health care law in a way that protects women’s health while making common-sense accommodations for values like religious liberty. For women who are pregnant or nursing, the new preventive services include gestational diabetes screening as well as breast-feeding support, counseling and supplies. Health services already provided under the health care law include folic acid supplements for women who may become pregnant, Hepatitis B screening for pregnant women, and anemia screening for pregnant women. Women Medicare beneficiaries may already receive such preventive services as annual wellness visits, mammograms, and bone mass measurement for those at risk of osteoporosis and diabetes screening. Approximately 24.7 million women with Medicare used at least one free preventive service in 2011, including the new annual wellness visit. Because of the Affordable Care Act, secure, affordable coverage is becoming a reality for millions of American women and families. Men and children are also able to take advantage of preventive services at no extra charge under the health care law. These services include flu shots and other immunizations, screenings for cancers, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and depression. To learn more about the health care services you may be eligible for at no extra charge under the Affordable Care Act, go to http://www.healthcare.gov/prevention For information about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report on the number of adult and adolescent women eligible for the preventive services at no charge after Aug. 1, 2012, see http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2012/womensPreventiveServicesACA/ib.shtml Printer-friendly version
5.3K viewsHOW HEALTHCARE REFORMS WILL AFFECT NONPROFITS 10
Total Views: 35 By Miriam Raftery July 5, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –Among the least understood aspects of the Affordable Care Act are the benefits that it offers to nonprofit organizations. Smaller nonprofits have potential to reap benefits, along with their employees—without the potential penalties facing some for-profit employers. East County Magazine contacted the new Health Law Guide for businesses site to ask how the law will impact nonprofit organizations. Here is the response that we received: The ACA extends benefits to non-profit employers as well as “for profit” employers. While most provisions apply to both sectors equally, the small business health care tax credit applies differently: · Tax credits: Phase I of the tax credits covers 2010 through 2013. In Phase I, nonprofits with between 2 and 10 employees with average wages below $25,000 qualify for the maximum tax credit of 25 percent of the employer’s share of the premium. This tax credit is phased out to nonprofit organizations with fewer than 25 employees and average salaries of $50,000. Nonprofits that pay at least 50 percent of the total premium qualify for the tax credit. Nonprofit organizations take their tax credits by paying lower payroll taxes. Phase II of the tax credits is for two executive years beginning in 2014. The same criteria applies for eligibility as Phase I. However, the maximum tax credit is raised to 35 percent. The tax credit in Phase II, however, can only be taken for two years. OTHER PROVISIONS of the ACA that apply to both "for profit" & non-profit employers include: · Unlike large employers, small nonprofit organizations (those with 50 or fewer employees), will not pay a penalty if they do not offer their employees health insurance benefits. · Beginning is 2014, small nonprofit organizations will be eligible to purchase health insurance through the health exchanges. The health exchanges are market places where small employers can compare health insurance plans and choice the plan best suited to their needs. The exchanges will simplify the process of buying health insurance, promote competition and lower costs. · Beginning in 2014, insurance companies will be prohibited from raising the premiums of nonprofit organizations just because one or more of their employees had a serious medical condition and used their health insurance benefits. · Medical loss ratios: An insurance company that has a medical loss ratio of 80 percent is paying 80 percent of the premium they collect on claims and quality improvements and 20 percent on administrative costs (85 percent in large group plans). Beginning in 2011, insurance companies were required to report their medical loss ratios and this year, insurance companies that do not achieve a medical loss ratio of 80 percent must rebate the difference to their small business customers, including small nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit the Resources page on http://healthlawguideforbusiness.org. Printer-friendly version
10 viewsHELPING SMALL BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR HEALTH CARE CHANGES: NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED 2.5K
Total Views: 25 July 5, 2012 (San Diego) — The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, will take full effect by 2014. In light of a recent Supreme Court decision ruling the law constitutional, you may wonder how the law will affect California’s small businesses. The new law does not require employers to provide health insurance for employees. However, there are both penalties for not meeting coverage requirements and tax incentives for small businesses that do. To help small businesses learn more about requirements and opportunities provided by the new law, some of California’s leading business organizations have launched a website: healthlawguideforbusiness.org. The site includes key information regarding tax credits, cost savings, and health and profit benefits associated with wellness and prevention programs. Small business owners who currently do not offer health insurance, but choose to do so under the new law, will be eligible for tax credits. Via the website, business owners can determine their tax credit eligibility—depending on their number of employees—as well as gain an understanding of how a new California Health Exchange can benefit their business. “As we continue to move forward with state legislation preparing California for health care reform, this new resource will serve as a one-stop-shop for business owners who need quick information and answers regarding the new law,” said Senator Christine Kehoe, who forwarded a link to the new business website to ECM. Printer-friendly version
2.5K viewsHOW HEALTHCARE REFORMS WILL IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS: CHAMBER PRESENTS FREE PROGRAM TONIGHT IN LA MESA 4
Total Views: 22 October 6, 2011 (La Mesa) – How will federal health care reforms impact the health of your business and employees? The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce presents a free program tonight, featuring a panel that includes physicians, representatives from the hospital and insurance industries, the County health department, and a human resources/employment law specialist. The program will be held tonight, October 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa Street in La Mesa. Panelists include: • Dr. Suman Sinha, Intensive Care Specialist • Dr. Dan Gross, Executive VP for Sharp HealthCare • Debbie Reinhard, Human Resource & Employment Law • Rene Santiago, San Diego County Health & Human Services • Bill Hammett, President of Hammett Health Insurance Svs For more information contact the San Diego East County Chamber at (619) 440-6161 Printer-friendly version
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