Efforts to improve public coverage programs have long been stymied by the prevalence of outdated IT systems that are the source of numerous consumer issues from confusing and conflicting notices to lost eligibility records to inadequate data to measure program performance. Meanwhile the state of technology and web-based services has advanced significantly, leaving many Medicaid […]
Quietly embedded in the June 29, 2012 update of the exchange establishment grant funding opportunity announcement (FOA) was a new category of consumer assistance – in person assistance (IPA). While federal officials haven’t been completely mum about this announcement, we have yet to see anything in writing (beyond what’s in the FOA and exchange blueprint) […]
By Lynn Blewett, SHADAC Director (Editor’s Note: This blog originally appeared on the SHADAC blog. ) The Woodwork Effect In health policy terms, the “woodwork effect” is a phenomenon that occurs when an expansion of public program eligibility takes place (whether through federal action or a state-level initiative), and individuals who were already eligible for […]
Today we released a report with some encouraging news for America’s children and families. Our report found that despite the fact that childhood poverty remained high, the number of uninsured children declined last year. This builds on the good news on young adult coverage gains reported in September. The Affordable Care Act was behind the young […]
In July, HHS Secretary Sebelius responded to an inquiry from a group of Congressmen regarding distinctions between navigators and brokers. The Secretary’s letter clearly articulated that states cannot require navigators to be licensed insurance brokers or agents. The letter provides other helpful clarifications, as well. Unfortunately, some of the wording of the letter has spurred additional […]
High-performing, technology-enabled eligibility and enrollment systems are unequivocally at the heart of the vision of streamlined, real-time access to health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). New systems offer the promise of remedying many of the consumer issues that advocates have worked on for years including eliminating unnecessary paperwork, making notices clear and understandable, […]
