Posted on 11/23/2018 11:07:23 AM PST by spintreebob
A little more than 1.9 million people signed up for health insurance in the first three weeks of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment for 2019 coverage. That compares with almost 2.3 million during the first three weeks of open enrollment last year, which included an additional day.
Americans are signing up for coverage through the federal marketplace at a slower rate this year, but the CMS numbers don't include enrollment in states that operate their own exchanges. It also does not include those who will be automatically enrolled in plans during the last week of open enrollment, which ends Dec. 15 in most states. Some states with their own insurance exchanges have reported higher sign-ups this year. In Minnesota, nearly 98,000 people enrolled in exchange coverage during the first two weeks of open enrollment, up 6.9% over the first two weeks last year.
And about 25,600 residents selected a plan in the first two weeks of Colorado's open enrollment—13.1% ahead of last year's period.
It is unclear how a combination of lower average premiums and actions by Congress and the Trump administration will affect enrollment in the ACA-compliant individual market in 2019. Average premiums are falling in many states, and consumers have more options on the exchanges as insurers who pulled out come back to the market. Still, premiums are higher than they would be if not for certain administration and congressional actions.
The Trump administration expanded access to alternative insurance coverage, such as association health plans and short-term insurance plans, which is expected to lure some individuals away from the exchanges. These alternative plans can sidestep some of the ACA's consumer protections, making those plans more affordable—although less robust—than some HealthCare.gov options.
The administration has also slashed funding for navigators who help people enroll in ACA coverage, while Congress zeroed out the individual mandate penalty for not having insurance starting in 2019.
Experts have also pointed out that Medicaid expansion is taking effect in Virginia, which could dampen enrollment in the exchanges as more residents take up Medicaid coverage. Still, they note the exchanges have proven resilient in the past. And in previous years, enrollment figures are boosted by a surge of last-minute sign-ups.
Could it possibly be that people are finding jobs and employer insurance? Could it be possible that jobs are the best health insurance program? Could it be that Modern Healthcare, and the media are blind to reality?
This doesn't mean that we have arrived at nirvana. Just that we all need to deal with reality, not rhetoric.
Obamacare is Dead!
Now, it is time to kill Medicaid and Medicare.
It’s down because you no longer are forced to buy it. That’s why I’M making it a point to dump this Obamanation wankstain.
Here’s a Medicare question for retirees receiving SS.
Can one replace Medicare w/private insurance or is one forced to pay for Medicare?
Googling, I come up with different answers to such a simple question.
Now, it is time to kill Medicaid and Medicare.
We might start here
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3707981/posts
Replace creeping socialism with creeping personal responsibility.
Medicare is forced on those who turn 65.
Medicare part A (hospitalization) is automatic when you turn 65. Medicare part B is optional and if you have the right kind of medical insurance there is no penalty for not enrolling in part B—but if you have the wrong insurance or no insurance you will pay a lifetime monthly penalty based on how long you delayed joining.
The place to get answers is at the Social Security office. In my experience asking over the phone is just an exercise in frustration.
All that said, I kept working after turning 65 and found that Medicare A + B+ supplemental + Drug plan was a lot cheaper and gave much better coverage than my employer’s plan.
But before you decide, check with Social Security to make sure. HTH
“””Can one replace Medicare w/private insurance or is one forced to pay for Medicare?””
from my understanding...........you have to opt-in.....there is a part A.....and a part B (billed out separately depending on plan you pick on B) both are paid monthly as for as I know.....but I could be wrong
The fraudsters have found new avenues of government funding.
The biggest problems with insurance are not the insurance companies. Look at the % of obese Americans. Not one of the 30% plus obese Americans could qualify for an individual policy. Add diabetes, COPD, and other risks like cancer, uncontrolled hypertension, HIV, addiction etc. I could never cover a diabetic unless he/she was in job covered by group insurance. Also I recall only businesses with over X # of employees were underwritten non medically. Premiums were based largely on claims/loss ratio. Let’s face facts that quite a few Americans are not in decent health now. Try to get a long term care policy now. That is still medically underwritten based on one’s health. I urge folks to get one before serious health issues make it impossible.
Duh, no man-date for FY 2019 (Ebola greatly saddened by absence of man-date)
‘If a mandate was the solution, we can try that to solve homelessness by mandating everybody to buy a house.’ — Ebola, CNN interview, 2008 (Even a stopped clock is right occasionally)
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