Advisers challenge substandard label on canceled health plans
The White House calls the nationwide uptick in health plan cancellations a result of substandard policies being eliminated, but advisers express concern over resulting rate hikes.
Technology
Obama, Sebelius rush to defend ACA with Massachusetts example
A day after her deputy apologized for the failures with the Affordable Care Act insurance exchange, U.S. Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius followed suit and told Congress that she shoulders the blame for the botched rollout.
Broker interests absent in Washington
CMS is communicating minimally with the thousands of insurance brokers who went through training for the 36 federally-run exchanges, while prominent ACA spokespeople including the president repeatedly fail to mention brokers as a viable exchange information source.
The state exchange that got it right for brokers
While the rest of the country was trying to access exchange websites on Oct. 1 and having no luck, something remarkable happened in Connecticut.
HR embracing mobile technology soon?
A Towers Watson survey suggests HR use of mobile apps is rising slowly but steadily.
Month 1: Glitch is the word
Eager to meet client needs – and keep their business – brokers hunt for info on exchanges.
Make todays ACA decisions count
The choices that benefits professionals make now about the ACA are crucial.
How to get ahead of technology innovation
John Lamb on two technologies that will help you keep pace with advancements.
Brokers doubt many ACA apps are from fed exchanges
Despite a CMS report Friday that nearly half of all applications completed so far are from the federally-run state exchanges, brokers on the front lines have a different perspective.
CMS: 700,000 ACA apps completed across U.S.
Acknowledging Thursday that the exchange system wasnt tested enough, CMS director of communications responded to issues brought up by government contractors earlier in the day on Capitol Hill.
ACA tech issues could last years, expert says
As intelligence emerges about failed and rushed testing in the weeks leading up to the Oct. 1 launch of Healthcare.gov, an expert close to state-run exchanges says these issues may not be as easily fixed as the president alluded to on Monday.
Cigna Tells Brokers to Halt Certain HIX Sales
Cigna has instructed brokers to halt selling insurance to individuals who are subsidy-eligible through its federal health care exchange broker portals.
California, New York enroll 68K while brokers still struggle
California said 28,699 people were signed up in the states health insurance exchange in the first week, while New York had more than 40,000 sign up. But what did brokers have to say from the front lines?
Insurers getting faulty data from health exchanges
Insurers are getting faulty and incomplete data from the new federal-run health exchange, which may mean some Americans wont be covered even after they sign up for an insurance plan.
Stumbles continue on ACA exchanges
Consumers couldnt access parts of the U.S. governments online insurance exchange Monday, after a weekend of technical upgrades failed to eliminate delays in the hobbled system at the heart of the health care overhaul.
ACA enrollment slow but interest high
Lessons from Massachusetts initial rollout of its exchange seven years ago may portend whats to come for national enrollment. While few are enrolled, 8.6 million people went to the main government website portal last week.
Exchanges debut as early hurdles may slow signups
The three-year effort to open the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchanges culminates today, beset by logistical delays and efforts by Republicans to shut down the U.S. government in protest.
By
Alex Wayne
Brokers take varied approaches to launch of public health exchanges
Some brokers are eager to start enrollment on Oct. 1 and others want to wait and see what happens, but either way, no one expects people to be knocking down their doors on the first day.
What to expect after exchange opening day
Whats next for the ACAs health insurance exchanges and how will employers respond?
