The 8 Best Lines From Ginsburg's Dissent + more

Today's blog includes articles on 1) a review of the Hobby Lobby decisions, 2) the ACA accounts for economic growth and access to preventive services, 3) consequences of State Medicaid decisions, 4) keeping enrollees, and 5) 2015 premiums.  


In the next blog issue I will be asking for advice on 3 projects I am engaged in. 
The 8 Best Lines From Ginsburg's Dissent on the Hobby Lobby Contraception Decision

Ginsburg says it very well.  Very disturbing decision on many levels.  

Kaiser chart shows how the justices answered the four key questions in the case. http://kaiserf.am/1qaQDuD


Hobby Lobby Ruling Creates Uncertainty About Contraceptive Mandate 

Democrats Campaign Against High Court After Hobby Lobby Ruling

Our Economic Growth Is a Mystery. Obamacare Is the Reason. 

Affordable Care Act helps 76 million Americans with private coverage access free preventive services

 

White House Report: Missed Opportunities and the Consequences of State Decisions Not to Expand Medicaid 

 

New Guidance on Keeping Marketplace Enrollees Covered for 2015 

 

 

Briefing: Rates of Change: Putting 2015 Insurance Premiums into Context

 

 

Key briefing points: 

• When determining 2015 health insurance premiums, the largest drivers are changes in expectations about risk pool composition, transitional policy for non-ACA compliant plans, reduction of reinsurance program funds and medical trends, said Cori Uccello. Other factors such as provider networks, market competition, benefit packages, and administrative costs will also play a role, she said.
• Premium rates between 2008 and 2010 increased an average of 10 percent a year, according to a study that Jon Gruber cited. He also noted that rates were highly variable across states, and that, prior to ACA implementation, there was very little rate transparency. Study available here: http://ow.ly/yENrA
• Market rules changed significantly after ACA implementation and pricing insurance products became more complicated, Elizabeth Hall stated. Insurers will have more concrete information about demographics in 2015, but obtaining a complete picture of medical claims and pharmaceutical data for purposes of setting premiums will take several years. Pricing in 2014 was based off of educated guesses, she said.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will now review all rate increases unless the state already has an effective rate review program, David Cusano said. Requirements for effective rate review programs include receiving sufficient data about rate increases, considering at least 15 factors in rate regulation, making rate filings readily available, and providing a mechanism for public comments. As of April 2014, 45 States and the District of Columbia have effective rate review programs, he said. 

I’m Covered Stories: A Healthy Respect for a ‘Complicated’ Family