Insights Column

New Study Shows Why Maryland Families Need the Health Insurance Down Payment Plan

On February 26, 2018, the Urban Institute released a report showing the need for Maryland’s health insurance down payment plan, called the “Protect Maryland Health Care Act of 2018.” According ...

New Data Show Catastrophic Impact of Trump Administration Short-Term Plan Rule

Today the Urban Institute released national and state projections of the potential impact of a proposed rule from the Trump administration to expand the sale of short-term health plans. The project...

Repealing Essential Health Benefits Will Leave People with Preexisting Conditions Unprotected

Members of Congress and the Trump Administration have frequently proposed measures that would eliminate or undermine essential health benefits (EHBs). One of the most popular aspects of the Affordabl...

What CMS Action on Idaho Means for Comprehensive Health Coverage

Yesterday, the Trump administration told insurers and regulators in Idaho that they cannot sell health plans that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act. This is the first recognition from the adm...

Third-Party Payment Programs Help Consumers Afford Insurance

Third-party payment programs can improve affordability and increase enrollment for low-income consumers without triggering adverse selection. This week, the Commonwealth Fund published my research ...

2018 Federal, State, and Local Election Toolkit for Health Care Voters

As the 2018 elections approach, now is the time for people to speak out to candidates about the kind of health care system they want, and to hold candidates accountable for delivering on it. Whether a...

It’s Open Enrollment for Marketplace Coverage! Resources to #GetCovered

Healthcare.gov is now open for business! Until December 15th, consumers can enroll in comprehensive health plans that will start on January 1st 2019. High-quality coverage purchased through healthcar...

Hundreds of Thousands of People Are Losing their Health Insurance Because of Trump Administration Policies

The Trump Administration has announced initial enrollment numbers for the federally-run Healthcare.gov exchange, which provides individual and small group coverage for the 39 states that do not operat...

Debunking Medicaid Critics: Facts on Health Care Quality and Access

What was once a promise is now a reality: Since the Affordable Care Act became law, 16 million Americans have gained health insurance. Now, opponents of the ACA are changing tack, criticizing the qua...

Louisiana to Expand Medicaid: Outlook for the States in 2016

Legislative sessions during an election year are historically shorter, more budget-oriented and less controversial than other years. But as the Obama administration enters its final year, the Affordab...