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Eleven States Now Letting Uninsured Sign Up for Obamacare Eleven States Now Letting Uninsured Sign Up for Obamacare
(2 months later)
Eleven states and the District of Columbia have opened enrollment under the Affordable Care Act to allow laid-off workers to get subsidized health insurance, and the Trump administration, which has been gunning to repeal the law, is considering opening the federal exchange to new customers.Eleven states and the District of Columbia have opened enrollment under the Affordable Care Act to allow laid-off workers to get subsidized health insurance, and the Trump administration, which has been gunning to repeal the law, is considering opening the federal exchange to new customers.
The new enrollment periods will ease insurance sign-ups for people who have recently lost health coverage along with their jobs. And they will provide an opportunity for people who didn’t buy insurance for the year to reconsider that choice.The new enrollment periods will ease insurance sign-ups for people who have recently lost health coverage along with their jobs. And they will provide an opportunity for people who didn’t buy insurance for the year to reconsider that choice.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are the states that run their own exchanges that have made the move to open enrollment. (Idaho is the exception in this grouping.)California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are the states that run their own exchanges that have made the move to open enrollment. (Idaho is the exception in this grouping.)
In California, state officials had already extended the normal enrollment window because of changes in state policy. But Peter Lee, the executive director of that state’s marketplace, Covered California, said he was doing everything he could to alert residents that they could buy insurance if they needed it now.In California, state officials had already extended the normal enrollment window because of changes in state policy. But Peter Lee, the executive director of that state’s marketplace, Covered California, said he was doing everything he could to alert residents that they could buy insurance if they needed it now.
“There’s no economic or public health rationale to not open the doors wide in the face of the pandemic,” he said.“There’s no economic or public health rationale to not open the doors wide in the face of the pandemic,” he said.
Rhode Island officials also chose to create a special enrollment period to prevent people from hesitating to get testing or treatment if they were uninsured, said Lindsay Lang, the director of the state’s marketplace, HealthSource RI.Rhode Island officials also chose to create a special enrollment period to prevent people from hesitating to get testing or treatment if they were uninsured, said Lindsay Lang, the director of the state’s marketplace, HealthSource RI.
“We don’t know how big this will be in Rhode Island,” she said. The hope, she said, is to protect individuals and the state’s health system from large sums of uncompensated care as they wait for federal officials to take action, adding, “This is what we can do while we wait.”“We don’t know how big this will be in Rhode Island,” she said. The hope, she said, is to protect individuals and the state’s health system from large sums of uncompensated care as they wait for federal officials to take action, adding, “This is what we can do while we wait.”
The Affordable Care Act was set up with a short annual window for insurance sign-ups. That was meant to encourage Americans to buy coverage while they were still healthy, keeping down premiums. Under the Affordable Care Act, people who lose insurance coverage when they lose their job are already allowed to buy their own insurance. But the creation of a broad special enrollment period would mean that anyone without comprehensive insurance could simply sign up for a health plan, without having to prove such special conditions. Early reports from states suggest that a recent wave of layoffs will leave millions of Americans in need of new health coverage.The Affordable Care Act was set up with a short annual window for insurance sign-ups. That was meant to encourage Americans to buy coverage while they were still healthy, keeping down premiums. Under the Affordable Care Act, people who lose insurance coverage when they lose their job are already allowed to buy their own insurance. But the creation of a broad special enrollment period would mean that anyone without comprehensive insurance could simply sign up for a health plan, without having to prove such special conditions. Early reports from states suggest that a recent wave of layoffs will leave millions of Americans in need of new health coverage.
The federal government has established this type of special enrollment period in the past, typically during natural disasters. But over all, the Trump administration has worked to shorten enrollment periods and tighten eligibility rules for those seeking exceptions.The federal government has established this type of special enrollment period in the past, typically during natural disasters. But over all, the Trump administration has worked to shorten enrollment periods and tighten eligibility rules for those seeking exceptions.
It is not clear whether the administration will establish a special enrollment period for the 32 states with markets it manages. (There are also six state-run exchanges that use the federal platform, and those states can’t proceed without federal sign-off.) The administration continues to argue in court for the law’s invalidation. In a press briefing on Sunday, President Trump reiterated that he would like to eliminate Obamacare altogether and replace it with an unspecified program he prefers.It is not clear whether the administration will establish a special enrollment period for the 32 states with markets it manages. (There are also six state-run exchanges that use the federal platform, and those states can’t proceed without federal sign-off.) The administration continues to argue in court for the law’s invalidation. In a press briefing on Sunday, President Trump reiterated that he would like to eliminate Obamacare altogether and replace it with an unspecified program he prefers.
“What we want to do is get rid of the bad health care and put in a great health care,” he said, in response to a question about the lawsuit.“What we want to do is get rid of the bad health care and put in a great health care,” he said, in response to a question about the lawsuit.
There are also an estimated 17 million people already uninsured but eligible for marketplace coverage, according to a recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. That study found that more than a quarter of those people were eligible for a bronze plan that would cost them nothing in premiums after federal subsidies were applied (they would still have a high deductible). A broad special enrollment period could protect that group from big bills, too, if they contract the disease known as Covid-19.There are also an estimated 17 million people already uninsured but eligible for marketplace coverage, according to a recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. That study found that more than a quarter of those people were eligible for a bronze plan that would cost them nothing in premiums after federal subsidies were applied (they would still have a high deductible). A broad special enrollment period could protect that group from big bills, too, if they contract the disease known as Covid-19.
“If open enrollment were more broad, and there were fewer barriers, that could make it easier for people to sign up,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at Kaiser and a co-author of the study.“If open enrollment were more broad, and there were fewer barriers, that could make it easier for people to sign up,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at Kaiser and a co-author of the study.
People in so-called short-term, limited-duration health plans — those offering skimpier coverage that doesn’t meet all the requirements of an A.C.A. plan — could also sign up. Although the administration has encouraged the availability of alternatives, many may now want more comprehensive coverage.People in so-called short-term, limited-duration health plans — those offering skimpier coverage that doesn’t meet all the requirements of an A.C.A. plan — could also sign up. Although the administration has encouraged the availability of alternatives, many may now want more comprehensive coverage.
Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Washington State, which has been enrolling people since March 10, has had 2,973 residents indicate they plan to sign up as of last Thursday. About 500 have actually done so. In New York, during the first four days of the enrollment period, 150 people signed up, according to state officials.Washington State, which has been enrolling people since March 10, has had 2,973 residents indicate they plan to sign up as of last Thursday. About 500 have actually done so. In New York, during the first four days of the enrollment period, 150 people signed up, according to state officials.
In Rhode Island, which has had open enrollment since March 14, “we’ve had a really strong response,” Ms. Lang said. As of Friday, 233 people had enrolled, with a further 150 or so in the process of doing so.In Rhode Island, which has had open enrollment since March 14, “we’ve had a really strong response,” Ms. Lang said. As of Friday, 233 people had enrolled, with a further 150 or so in the process of doing so.
For Americans whose income has dipped low enough to qualify them for Medicaid, that program accepts applications all year long. In the 36 states that expanded their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, that means anyone now earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level — about $17,000 for a single person and $35,500 for a family of four, annually — can qualify for coverage right away. Eligibility rules vary in the other states. Many people who have lost their jobs and have very low incomes are now likely to qualify.For Americans whose income has dipped low enough to qualify them for Medicaid, that program accepts applications all year long. In the 36 states that expanded their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, that means anyone now earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level — about $17,000 for a single person and $35,500 for a family of four, annually — can qualify for coverage right away. Eligibility rules vary in the other states. Many people who have lost their jobs and have very low incomes are now likely to qualify.
Marketplace coverage is more complicated: In addition to the need for an enrollment period, enrollees typically qualify for financial assistance with their premiums based on their income declared on their last tax return. Individuals can use a different estimated annual income but may have to provide documentation that their circumstances have changed, Ms. Cox said.Marketplace coverage is more complicated: In addition to the need for an enrollment period, enrollees typically qualify for financial assistance with their premiums based on their income declared on their last tax return. Individuals can use a different estimated annual income but may have to provide documentation that their circumstances have changed, Ms. Cox said.
Anyone who already has marketplace coverage but has had an income change can return to the marketplace to apply for an increased subsidy. This is true even in states that have not yet established a special enrollment period.Anyone who already has marketplace coverage but has had an income change can return to the marketplace to apply for an increased subsidy. This is true even in states that have not yet established a special enrollment period.
Initially hesitant to reopen the federal marketplaces, health insurers recently began pushing for a special enrollment period to insure people who suddenly find themselves without a job. Last Thursday, the two main trade associations sent a letter to Congress calling for a special enrollment period, allowing people to sign up regardless of whether they’re currently insured.Initially hesitant to reopen the federal marketplaces, health insurers recently began pushing for a special enrollment period to insure people who suddenly find themselves without a job. Last Thursday, the two main trade associations sent a letter to Congress calling for a special enrollment period, allowing people to sign up regardless of whether they’re currently insured.
While it is true that people can already apply for coverage when they lose their employer-based coverage, a special enrollment period would require less paperwork and could be the quickest way for people to get coverage, said Justine Handelman, a senior vice president for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.While it is true that people can already apply for coverage when they lose their employer-based coverage, a special enrollment period would require less paperwork and could be the quickest way for people to get coverage, said Justine Handelman, a senior vice president for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.