MCOL published the infographic that shows the participants (states) in health insurance exchanges (HIX), the monies invested, the managers of the exchanges, and the public v private efforts.  To date:

• 19 states are expected to open an exchange in 2014.
• Over $3.5 billion has been invested in 47 states (including the District of Columbia).
• Private exchanges are developing, mostly through large consulting firms, health plans, and integrated delivery systems.  
• 56% of people polled by MCOL think that health insurance exchanges will have a significant impact on health access and affordability.
• Update on Florida (not on the infographic):  the first state to oppose the exchanges, is still considering the impact on the budget.
• Latest news 2.8.13 just in.  Approved insurance exchanges include 6 Republican governors: Rick Snyder (MI), John Kasich (OH), and governors from AZ, NV, ND, NM. Read more

After attending several local discussions on health insurance under "Obamacare," it's apparent that many need this diagram of choices, qualifications, and access from the Kaiser Foundation.  

• Subsidies will be dependent on income according to Federal Poverty Levels (FPL).  If a person's or family's income is below 133% of FPL, the person or family will have access to non-group insurance and will be subsidized.
• People 133-400% of FPL will have varying amounts of subsidies, called tax credits. Rules are still being clarified.
• Differences in subsidies and tax credits are dependent upon availability of employer-sponsored insurance to the person or family. 
• The Federal subsidies to the states will be 100% for the first year, moving to 90% for several years until 2020.  note:  these rules may change, dependent upon the economy, the tax revenues and debt ceiling rules that are currently being discussed in the Congress, and other factors that influence the strength of the economy of the US.
• There is variability at the state level for the kinds of coverage that will be required.  Read more...

There is keen discussion right now on the costs of "entitlement" programs, which is one reason I was asked to present to the legislative cliff committee in Dec 2012.  This paper from Kaiser Family Foundation is a concise summary of the expansion, costs, and challenges facing the US.  

To note:  In 2012, Medicare spending is estimated to account for 15% of total federal spending and 21% of total national health spending. (remember that these figures are estimates and must wait for the final accounting and claims later this year).  Read more...

 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you on these articles and more.  Plus, you can share these emails with your friends!  

Make a dent in the universe!   

Cyndy