Trump Administration Announces Suspension In Payments To Healthcare Insurers

Donald Trump

The Trump administration takes another swipe at the Affordable Care Act by suspending payments to insurers required under the healthcare law.

From The Washington Post:

In a rare Saturday afternoon announcement, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it will stop collecting and paying out money under the ACA’s “risk adjustment” program, drawing swift protest from the health insurance industry.

Risk adjustment is one of three methods built into the 2010 health-care law to help insulate insurance companies from the ACA requirement that they accept all customers for the first time — healthy and sick — without charging more to those who need substantial care.

In its announcement, CMS said that it is not going to make $10.4 billion in payments that are due to insurers in the fall for expenses incurred by insurers last year.

This is the latest step the Trump administration has taken in its attempts to dismantle the healthcare law via executive powers.

In 2017, the sign-up period for Americans to buy ACA health plans was cut in half by healthcare officials.

Also, the advertising campaign for the signup period was cut by 90 percent.

Last October, the president ended cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers, which helps balance the law’s requirement to provide discounts on deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs to low-income customers.

Enrollment For Affordable Care Act Begins Today

Today begins the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act.

If you don't get health insurance through your work, Medicare, Medicaid or some other means, you have until December 15 to enroll.

From the Human Rights Campaign:

Despite reckless efforts by Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and some congressional Republicans, the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land. Millions of Americans will continue to have access to quality health insurance and cannot be denied if they have a preexisting medical condition such as cancer, HIV, or high blood pressure.

If you currently have coverage through one of the ACA marketplaces, you have the opportunity to renew or choose a new one during the open enrollment period. Some Americans aren’t sure if they can enroll, but many are eligible for the affordable options it makes available. Financial assistance may also be available, depending on your income level. All the details can be found at Healthcare.gov.

Unfortunately, the Trump administration has limited the enrollment period and cut funding for outreach to individuals who may need health insurance. Many LGBTQ people rely on the Affordable Care Act for life-saving care, and HRC is ensuring that you know the facts about open enrollment and how to #GetCovered.

Again, the deadline for enrollment through HealthCare.gov is December 15.