Hank Stern did an excellent job hosting the Health Wonk Review this week – be sure to head over to InsureBlog and check it out. His “life’s a beach” theme and pictures will have you longing for a hammock strung between some palm trees, but if that’s not available, the next best thing is some… Read more about Great stuff from some great health wonks
Archives for May 2014
Reference pricing: Not as scary as it sounds
Several times in the last few days, I’ve seen versions of an article titled something like this one – “New Obamacare loophole shows failure of for-profit health system.” Another is titled “In health care, ‘reference pricing’ could end up costing unwary consumers thousands of dollars.” Scary stuff, huh? Except really, it’s not. Here’s the FAQ… Read more about Reference pricing: Not as scary as it sounds
Copper health insurance plans aren’t for everyone, but it would make sense to have them as an option
Earlier this spring, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), proposed adding another level of coverage to the currently available metal options. Some have referred to it as a “copper” plan, and it would offer lesser benefits than bronze plans, but would also come with lower price tags. Ignagni referenced the ACA… Read more about Copper health insurance plans aren’t for everyone, but it would make sense to have them as an option
Study analysis and data summaries from some of the best health wonks around
Jason Shafrin, aka The Healthcare Economist, hosted the Health Wonk Review today, and it’s an excellent edition. Some of my favorite articles in this HWR are from Harold Pollack, Tim Jost, and Joe Paduda. Writing at HealthInsurance.org, Harold takes a look at the recent Annals of Internal Medicine study that dug into the data to see how… Read more about Study analysis and data summaries from some of the best health wonks around
IRS 2015 HSA Contribution Limits and Regulations
The IRS has released guidelines for 2015 HSA contribution limit, minimum deductible amounts, and maximum out-of-pocket amounts. If you have an HSA or are considering opening one in 2015, here’s what you need to know: For a single individual, the 2015 HSA contribution limit will be $3,350 (a $50 increase). For a family, the 2015 HSA contribution… Read more about IRS 2015 HSA Contribution Limits and Regulations
ACA articles that lack details are often more spin than reality
Although I typically focus my articles on issues that directly impact the Colorado health insurance market, I recently read an article in the Jackson, MS Clarion Ledger and felt compelled to address some of the issues it presents. The article was written in late April, after the open enrollment extension for 2014 had ended. It’s… Read more about ACA articles that lack details are often more spin than reality