It’s abundantly clear that it is going to take time to repeal and/or replace the Affordable Care Act. And, despite the fact that the republican draft would sunset the ten essential benefits in 2019, it would require a change in the law and therefore 60 votes in the Senate to eliminate these provisions entirely. While… Continue reading Repeal and Replace: “Watering” Down Ten Essential Benefits?
It’s clear that Republicans want to get the Obamacare repeal headed in the right direction. There’s one big problem, however. Too many different competing plans have been introduced to replace the law. Several plans have been presented or are expected, however none appear to have the necessary support to achieve Congressional approval. And it’s unlikely… Continue reading Repeal, Replace: Too Many Options, Too Little Consensus
For today we do. And probably for the rest of this year, anyway. It’s impossible to read any news either in print or online, or watch news on TV, without hearing about a repeal of Obamacare. Repeal, repeal and replace, leave around 18 million people stranded without health care…. it goes on and on. … Continue reading It’s Inauguration Day: Do We Still Have Health Care?
Maybe later than you think and it’s evolving. President-elect Trump has promised that he’ll ask Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act on Day One of his administration. Can he really do that on Day One? Even with a Republican House and Senate is that possible? Not exactly. Not much is likely to change in… Continue reading Trumpcare: What is it and When Will We See it?
Although it seems as if many insurers are leaving the health insurance exchange marketplace and premiums are likely to rise for many in 2017, there is some brightness set for Obamacare. There will be a new, attractive option available to many consumers beginning in November. In an attempt to make plan selection easier, the federal… Continue reading HealthCare.gov Enrollment: It Can Be A Simple Choice
Actually, they are more than what you may be wearing. SilverSneakers are fitness programs for seniors provided by more than 70 health plans across the country. And while SilverSneakers often include health club memberships, fitness for seniors should focus on physical activity which may or may not involve a gym. Sadly, problems with mobility among… Continue reading Silver Sneakers: More Than Just A Fashion Statement
Good question. That depends on your high deductible plan and its relationship to a health savings account. As more people are covered by high deductible plans, some employer sponsored plans are covering benefits like doctor visits or generic prescription drugs to help ease the costs to the individual before meeting the deductible. Here’s the catch:… Continue reading Do High Deductible Plans Cover Chronic Care Up Front?
Open enrollment is upon us. If your employer offers more than one plan and you are like a majority of others, you’ll just reenroll in the same plan. It may not be perfect, but it’s working pretty well. Not so fast. On the surface, it may look identical to what you have this year, but… Continue reading Will Your Prescription Drugs Be Covered Next Year? Better Check!
You’ve been watching the presidential campaign, so you can’t miss the references to Obamacare. It’s a significant component of the rhetoric for all the candidates. Hillary wants to add to it, Bernie wants a “Medicare for All” program, and Trump wants to repeal it altogether. We haven’t heard much else about healthcare from the candidates.… Continue reading Note to Candidates: Health Care is More Than Obamacare
You’ve been covered by private health insurance through your employer for years. It’s taken care of all of your medical expenses. Sure, the premiums and the deductibles have gone up, but given the state of health care in the United States you feel lucky. With retirement on the horizon, you’ll be enrolling in Medicare, which,… Continue reading Retiree Health Insurance: I Have That, Don’t I?
