Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Washington Poised To Create 'Public Option,' Thrusting State Into National Debate Over Best Health Care System
Washington is set to become the first state to enter the private health insurance market with a universally available public option. A set of tiered public plans will cover standard services and are expected to be up to 10% cheaper than comparable private insurance, thanks in part to savings from a cap on rates paid to providers. But unlike existing government-managed plans, Washington's public plans are set to be available to all residents regardless of income by 2021. (James, 5/12)
While tolls, bonding and the budget have dominated this legislative session, a battle has been quietly brewing over the creation of a state-administered health insurance public option for small businesses. ... Backers say their legislation would provide small businesses with a desperately needed alternative to increasingly unaffordable commercial plans, while injecting greater competition to force down prices. Opponents counter that a public option would harm the state’s insurance industry, potentially leading to job losses. (Hoffman, 5/12)
And in Maryland —
A Maryland measure that’s the first of its kind could help people without health insurance find out if they qualify for free or low-cost insurance after they file their taxes. Gov. Larry Hogan is scheduled to sign the bill Monday. It will create a box for people to check on state income tax returns. If selected, the state’s health care exchange will see if the person qualifies for low-cost insurance, based on information in their tax return. Those who qualify for Medicaid will be enrolled automatically. The exchange will reach out to people who qualify for private coverage. (Witte, 5/13)
Most people who buy their health insurance through the Maryland’s exchange could see premiums drop next year, based on rate requests from the state’s two carriers filed Friday, marking what could be the second year in a row of declines. Premiums for the so-called Obamacare plans have been skyrocketing around the country, and state regulators, carriers and advocates say action taken by the Maryland General Assembly and Gov. Larry Hogan made the difference for close to 200,000 Marylanders who tap the Affordable Care Act program because they don’t receive insurance through their jobs. (Cohn, 5/10)
