Progress report on state health insurance exchanges
In the nearly two years since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, all States have taken some action to implement health reform. For example, forty-four States are participating in the new premium rate review system where insurers must justify the rationale for any double-digit insurance premium increase. And 28 States and the District of Columbia are on their way toward establishing their own Affordable Insurance Exchange – an essential component of the law.
Affordable Insurance Exchanges are one-stop marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs. Starting in 2014, they will offer to the public the same kinds of insurance choices members of Congress will have. Exchanges will select health plans qualified to offer coverage; facilitate consumer assistance, shopping and enrollment; and coordinate eligibility for the Exchange and potential premium assistance.
The Affordable Care Act gives States the resources and power to build and run their own Exchange. It offers States access to funding through Exchange “planning,” “establishment,” and “Early Innovator” grant programs. On September 30, 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $49 million to 48 States and the District of Columbia to conduct planning activities (Minnesota was awarded a planning grant later). On February 16, 2011, HHS awarded Early Innovator grants to six States and one multi-State consortium to get a head start developing the information technology (IT) needed for Exchanges. And HHS is, on a quarterly basis, awarding establishment grants to support the building of Exchanges. Three rounds of establishment grants have been awarded, with 28 States and the District of Columbia having received establishment grants as of November 29, 2011. Additional States have applied for establishment grants in December, with awards to be made in mid-February.
This report summarizes the actions taken by States to establish Exchanges and focuses on examples of the legislation and executive actions, public meetings, and other activities undertaken by States across the country to create these new health insurance marketplaces. It profiles ten States that cut across the spectrum of geography, demographics, and political leadership. The States profiled are not necessarily the States most advanced in establishing an Exchange; instead, they illustrate the diversity of approaches and progress being made.
Indivdual Health Insurance Ny - News
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New York Health Insurance Plans » Self Employed Health Insurance ...
Being self-employed has its advantages and disadvantages. on the one hand you can be living your dream of working for yourself, yet it can be difficult to provide a proof of income, thus giving you a hard time to qualify for loans or purchase health insurance. There are many types of self-employed health insurance available, people can use various online tools to find the right health insurance to suit them. The first step many people take when leaving their jobs is to continue with the insurance program their former employer offered. Leaving work in order to become self-employed carries a lot of risks, you will be facing many responsibilities you need to deal with accordingly.
When becoming self-employed, many people use COBRA coverage in order to continue with the employer-sponsored health insurance. COBRA or Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is a form of health insurance that lets former employees maintain the health insurance coverage received during employment. Some self-employed individuals will find it difficult to keep up with COBRA payments. COBRA can be extended up to 18 months, giving people plenty of time to look for other more appropriate health insurance plans.
Aside from COBRA, one option for self-employed individuals is to buy an individual health plan from a private insurance company. The self-employed will find it easier and more affordable to purchase health insurance plan when they and members of their family are healthy. Single self-employed individuals without a dependent will have an even easier time to find affordable health insurance. If you have a family, you might want to find a self-employed health insurance policy that has a wide array of options.
When you go for a health insurance policy that offers flexible options, you will have an easier time to find the proper coverage for family members who will be included in the policy. To find the right policy, you will need to know how much coverage you will actually need to provide for your family members. A self-employed individual with a preexisting health condition might be at risk of being denied health insurance coverage.