Puerto Rico’s Medicaid Block Grant Insufficient in Emergencies

Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria last month. During a debt crisis, they also faced Zika virus last year. It became clear during that public health emergency that…

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It’s (Almost) All Health Care, All the Time in Congress

The Administrations action to stop CSRs may light a fire under Congress to authorize the CSRs and may even help to stabilize the individual market. But Congress also has…

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What Does the Public Think?

The Kaiser Family Foundation October Health Tracking Poll finds public support for stabilizing the ACA marketplace with guaranteed CSR payments. Most importantly, 71% of respondents would prefer to…

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“Listen All of Y’all It’s a Sabotage”

The words of the Beastie Boys “Sabotage” have been running through (some of) our heads recently as the President takes more swipes at the Affordable Care Act (ACA)….

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No More Insurance Company “Bailouts”

The President announced that the government would stop paying cost-sharing subsidies immediately. The future of cost sharing reductions (CSRs) has been murky, as detailed back in August. Unless…

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Distracted Senate Drops the Ball on Important Reauthorizations – Significant Impacts on Low-Income Families Possible

Despite an announcement of a deal on Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization a few weeks ago, the Senate took no action when they quickly shifted attention to Graham-Cassidy….

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Changes in Health & Human Services Administrative Leadership and Direction

The Trump Administration lost again with the scandal and subsequent resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price. Rumors are rampant about his potential replacement. Unfortunately, while…

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Washington State’s Exchange Plans Certified – Rates TBD

Last week, amid uncertainty about the future of the ACA, Washington State’s Health Benefit Exchange Board certified health and dental plans for 2018. Over 180,000 individuals who purchase coverage…

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What We’re Reading and Listening to This Week

Atul Gawande asks people in his hometown of Athens, GA – is health care a right? A public health status link to last November’s election results …

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Alert to Health Advocates about Terminations for “Residency”:

Recently 18,000 Medicaid recipients were terminated for not having Washington State residency after an address  database check through LexisNexis. Some people terminated actually may be residents but did not…

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