DENVER— Since November 1, more than 57,500 people have used Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan. That’s 7,000 enrollments ahead of the same time period last year. Approximately 78 percent of those who have enrolled so far are qualifying for financial help that reduces the cost of plans.
Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:
“I’m so pleased that people are getting covered early in the enrollment period and that we’re continuing to see enrollment growth year over year. That tells me that our marketplace is giving people the options they’re looking for, at prices that are within their budget. For those who are waiting to sign up, I urge that you make an appointment with an enrollment specialist and enroll by December 15 to begin the new year with peace of mind.”
Set a Goal: Enroll Statewide Events Dec. 3-15 Feature Extended Hours
BALTIMORE (Nov. 29, 2022) — Maryland Health Connection will have trained experts to help Marylanders understand their options and enroll in a health plan for 2023 at upcoming statewide events. Shoppers can take advantage of free assistance at a local Set a Goal: Enroll event. Help is also available virtually or by phone with weekend and extended hours.
Last year, the average Maryland Health Connection customer buying private health insurance saved $289 a month on their monthly premium. Many Marylanders ages 18-34 can get special discounts for 2023 health plans — on top of other savings available through Maryland Health Connection.
“We are pleased that our navigators, who are so knowledgeable and helpful, are providing extra help in December to help Marylanders choose and enroll in a private health plan for the new year,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
HARTFORD, Conn. (Nov. 29, 2022) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it will host nine enrollment fairs in December to help Connecticut residents shop, compare and enroll or renew their health coverage during the current Open Enrollment period. Enrollment fairs offer free, in-person help from enrollment specialists and will take place in Branford, Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Middletown, New Britain, Norwich, Torrington and West Hartford.
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A recent study found that more than 1.3 million Americans with diabetes rationed their insulin because of cost concerns by skipping doses, taking less insulin than needed, or delaying buying insulin to save money. During National Diabetes Month, MNsure and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy remind Minnesotans that the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program provides fast, reliable help for those who need insulin and may be struggling to afford this life-saving drug.
The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program has two key components, depending on individual needs:
I wasn't really planning on doing another red/blue COVID death rate analysis; the point has been pretty much beaten into the ground by now. However, given how much interest there's been in the impact (or lack thereof) of the red/blue divide on the 2022 midterms, I figured I'd dust off the spreadsheet one more time.
First, a final summary of the actual impact on the midterms:
via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), by email:
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the latest enrollment figures for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs serve as key connectors to care for more millions of Americans.
Medicare
As of August 2022, 64,942,984 people are enrolled in Medicare. This is an increase of 111,278 since the last report.
34,939,872 are enrolled in Original Medicare.
30,003,112 are enrolled in Medicare Advantage or other health plans. This includes enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans with and without prescription drug coverage.
50,443,950 are enrolled in Medicare Part D. This includes enrollment in stand-alone prescription drug plans as well as Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage.
Last week I noted that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finally released their first 2023 Open Enrollment Period report, which included 3.0 million Qualified Health Plan (QHP) enrollees through 11/19/22 for the 33 states hosted by HealthCare.Gov plus another 387,000 QHP enrollees via the 18 state-based ACA exchanges.
In a footnote, the press release also noted that around 1.07 million New Yorkers have enrolled in NY's ACA-created Basic Health Plan (BHP) program, which is designed specifically for people who earn between 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (the cut-off for ACA-expanded Medicaid eligibility) and 200% FPL.
Access Health CT Waives Requirement for Certain Small Businesses to Enroll in a Group Health Insurance Plan Through December 15
Small businesses can enroll in group health insurance at any time of year, but they usually need a certain percentage of employees to participate in the plan
HARTFORD, Conn. (Nov. 23, 2022) — Access Health CT (AHCT) Small Business today announced it will waive the minimum number of employees typically required to enroll in a small group health insurance plan now through Dec. 15.
Small businesses can enroll in a group health insurance plan at any time of year. However, they usually need a certain percentage of employees to participate in the plan. During this period, any small business with 50 or fewer employees in Connecticut can enroll in a group health insurance plan regardless of how many employees participate.
Executive Board votes to cut copays to $5, no deductibles
Washington, DC–The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) Executive Board unanimously voted to adopt recommendations based on the work of the DCHBX Standard Plans Working Group to help address health disparities in pediatric mental health treatment. Starting in Plan Year 2024, children covered by a standard plan on DC Health Link will only have a $5 copay, with no deductibles, for outpatient mental health visits, including specialist visits, and no limit on the number of visits. Additionally, this vote reduces prescription copays for child mental health care to $5, with no deductibles.
The action taken by DCHBX means that parents who had copays as high as $45 for their children's mental health visits will only pay $5 starting in 2024. Additionally, parents who were paying as high as $25 in copays for even the lowest-cost generic prescriptions for their children, will have only a $5 copay starting in 2024.
New Yorkers Enrolling by December 15 will be Covered on January 1
ALBANY, N.Y. (November 23, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, is working with food pantries for the sixth consecutive holiday season to help consumers access high-quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. Certified enrollment specialists will be available at food pantries across the state during November and December to provide consumers with enrollment assistance. Consumers must enroll by December 15, 2022, for health coverage starting January 1, 2023.
