GOP Reportedly Rejects APTC Offer; Wyden Signals He’s Open To Compromise
Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) Tuesday suggested he may be open to changes to the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits in order to get Republicans on board an extension of the policy that has been in effect since 2021 and will expire at the end of 2025 without congressional action.
Democrats had proposed one way of giving a hand to families that have fallen through the cracks when it comes to health care, Wyden said of the APTC extension. “If Republicans don’t care for that approach, they oughtta come back and say, ‘here’s what we’d like to do instead,” or else we'll just make the assumption they’re not interested,” he said.
After an eventful month and a half, I’m impressed with Connect for Health Colorado’s growth. We’re seeing about 20 percent more health insurance enrollments over this time last year, an increase made even more impressive considering the enrollment record we achieved last year. I’m thankful to see that enrollments are outpacing previous years, as we announced last week on Get Covered Day, Dec. 5th.
My greatest thanks goes to you, our valued stakeholders, who diligently work to increase access, affordability, and choice for health care coverage in Colorado. As we face a new year of discussions about it all, real Coloradans are still able to afford to cover themselves and their families thanks to your hard work.
December 15 Deadline Approaches for Enrollment in Health Coverage Beginning January 1, 2025 Through NY State of Health
New Cost Savings and Expanded Eligibility in the Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plans Make Insurance More Affordable for More New Yorkers
ALBANY, N.Y. (December 13, 2024) — The State Department of Health’s NY State of Health, the State’s official health plan Marketplace, reminds New Yorkers that December 15 is the last day to enroll in health coverage beginning January 1, 2025. This year brings unprecedented cost savings in the Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plans, which offer dramatically reduced out-of-pocket costs.
It was in early 2021 that Congressional Democrats passed & President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which among other things dramatically expanded & enhanced the original premium subsidy formula of the Affordable Care Act, finally bringing the financial aid sliding income scale up to the level it should have been in the first place over a decade earlier.
In addition to beefing up the subsidies along the entire 100 - 400% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income scale, the ARPA also eliminated the much-maligned "Subsidy Cliff" at 400% FPL, wherein a household earning even $1 more than that had all premium subsidies cut off immediately, requiring middle-class families to pay full price for individual market health insurance policies.
Here's what the original ACA premium subsidy formula looked like compared to the current, enhanced subsidy formula:
Additional Opportunity for Georgians to Enroll in Health Coverage that will begin on January 1, 2025; Coverage Begins January 1 for Plans Selected by December 20
The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) announces an extension of the deadline to enroll in coverage that will begin on January 1, 2025. “Open Enrollment is the optimal time for Georgians to explore affordable options for health coverage,” said Commissioner King.
Connect for Health Colorado’s Statement Regarding a Federal Court’s Dec. 9 Decision in Kansas v. United States of America
Denver, Colo. – Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement regarding a federal court’s Dec. 9 decision regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients’ ability to enroll in a qualified health plan through the health insurance marketplace.
“The state of Colorado is not affected by a federal court’s Dec. 9 decision in Kansas v. United States of America,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “For plan year 2025, DACA recipients in Colorado can still enroll in health insurance, and may still qualify for financial assistance for health coverage. We will continue to monitor developments and stay in touch with our partners and enrollees as needed.”
It was in early 2021 that Congressional Democrats passed & President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which among other things dramatically expanded & enhanced the original premium subsidy formula of the Affordable Care Act, finally bringing the financial aid sliding income scale up to the level it should have been in the first place over a decade earlier.
In addition to beefing up the subsidies along the entire 100 - 400% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income scale, the ARPA also eliminated the much-maligned "Subsidy Cliff" at 400% FPL, wherein a household earning even $1 more than that had all premium subsidies cut off immediately, requiring middle-class families to pay full price for individual market health insurance policies.
Here's what the original ACA premium subsidy formula looked like compared to the current, enhanced subsidy formula:
A record-breaking number of Washingtonians have already signed up during open enrollment, which runs through Jan. 15
More than 271,000 Washingtonians either signed up for, or renewed, their health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder since Nov. 1. With five weeks remaining in open enrollment, these numbers have already exceeded the total for 2024. These numbers do not include Washington Apple Health clients.
Note: Apple Health is what Medicaid is called in Washington State.
Open enrollment is currently underway for 2025, individuals who sign up by Sunday, Dec. 15 will start on Jan. 1. Those who sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, will begin on Feb. 1. Through wahealthplanfinder.org, Washingtonians can shop, compare and select plans. Premium savings may be available to help make monthly costs more affordable.
Greensburg, PA – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visited Adagio Health in Greensburg today to remind uninsured Pennsylvanians that December 15 is the deadline to sign up for coverage that is effective on January 1, 2025, and encouraged them to explore their options at Pennie, the Commonwealth’s health insurance marketplace.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration wants every Pennsylvanian to have the freedom to chart their own course – and the ability to get quality, affordable health coverage is part of that freedom,” said Davis. “If you need health insurance for yourself or your family, you should check out pennie.com to shop for the best and most affordable plan for your needs, and you should do it before the December 15 deadline to ensure coverage that starts on New Year’s Day. In western Pennsylvania, there have been some changes to plans and costs, so it’s best to shop around and see what’s available.”
Denver, Colo. – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is reminding Coloradans that Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll in health coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025.
With the Dec. 15 deadline fast approaching, customers are encouraged to begin the application process today to explore available health insurance plan options and financial assistance, and to avoid a lapse in coverage.
“Connect for Health Colorado is here to help Coloradans enroll in high-quality, affordable health insurance for 2025, so don’t wait – get started today,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado.
With enhanced federal tax credits still in effect for 2025, Coloradans can expect a high level of financial support, with 81% of customers qualifying for help. Three out of five Coloradans are expected to find a plan for $10 or less a month. Additionally, people who are re-enrolling may find more affordable health insurance if they shop and change plans.
