Dysfunction Junction Update: Will Government Shutdown?
Faced with an upheaval by the rightists (his very own!) in the House GOP caucus and upended procedural votes, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, met with the Freedom Caucus members to discuss a possible alternative spending bill. This came as a surprise to other leaders. But Johnson could face the same purge that former Speaker McCarthy saw when he tried to do the right thing and comprise to keep government operating. While no one has explicitly said they would call a vote to vacate the speakership, the idea has again been put out there by prominent members of the right-wing fire-setting brigade. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, has begun drafting a continuing resolution (CR) that extends government while the agreed-upon deal is worked on. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, R-KY, has said this is needed. Johnson may be softening, but previously ruled out additional short-term CRs.
Additional articles:
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4401412-johnson-risks-same-fate-as-mccarthy-with-spending-deal/
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4402814-schumer-short-term-stopgap-cr/
#governmentshutdown #crs
Insurers Want CMS To Stop Further Limiting Non-Standardized Plans
For 2024 plans, a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule limits plans to offering four non-standardized plan designs per tier in a service area. In the 205 rule, CMS wants to drop that limit to two. Plans argue it will chill exchange growth and innovation. I am of two minds. I don’t know that further limiting offerings makes sense, but I also think the search for a health plan on healthcare.gov is anything but simple.
#aca #obamacare #exchanges #coverage
GOP Debate Features Healthcare Issues
FL Gov. Ron DeSantis and former SC Gov. Nikki Haley fought it out on stage (sans Donald Trump) at a Gop debate on CNN. Healthcare topics were touched upon. Both candidates said they would convert the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to a block grant. This is more tired thinking from the GOP and is disappointing.
#aca #obamacare #exchanges #coverage
Biden Wants ACA Premium Enhancements Permanent
Fresh off the huge enrollment surge in the Exchanges for 2024, President Biden is urging that the premium enhancements set to expire at the end of 2025 be made permanent.
(Article may require a subscription.)
#aca #obamacare #exchanges #coverage
New Coverage Hub From HHS
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched an online, under-friendly hub to help people maintain coverage in light of Medicaid redeterminations beginning again. The hub seeks to help people understand the Medicaid or children’s health insurance renewal process and get connected to other coverage options through their job or the Exchanges.
#medicaid #redeterminations #chip #exchanges #employercoverage
Why Is Exchange Enrollment Surging?
A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis finds the record enrollment of at least 20.4 million (sure to grow) in the Exchanges is tied to the following:
- Medicaid redeterminations beginning again with regular Medicaid rules coming back post-pandemic.
- The enhanced premium subsidies in the Exchnages through 2025.
- President Biden’s reversal of many enrollment-constricting rules in the Exchanges. Biden has increased marketing and outreach and extended open enrollment periods.
#aca #obamacare #exchanges #coverage
— Marc S. Ryan
