| |
Obamacare Sign-Ups Begin,More Uninsured10/31 13:14
Millions of Americans who have lost health insurance in an economy shaken by
the coronavirus can sign up for taxpayer-subsidized coverage starting Sunday.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Millions of Americans who have lost health insurance in
an economy shaken by the coronavirus can sign up for taxpayer-subsidized
coverage starting Sunday.
It's not a new COVID relief program from the government but the return of
annual sign-up season under the Affordable Care Act, better known as
"Obamacare." Open enrollment lasts through Dec. 15.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs HealthCare.gov,
says premiums are down slightly on average for 2021 and most people will have
at least three insurers from which to pick plans. Lower-income people and even
middle-class families may qualify for tax credits that can greatly reduce what
they pay monthly for premiums.
But President Donald Trump, unrelenting in his opposition to President
Barack Obama's signature domestic program, is asking the Supreme Court to
overturn the entire law.
Trump has been promising a much better replacement since before taking
office, but never came out with his plan. The justices are scheduled to hear
the case Nov. 10, and the administration is doing little to promote sign-ups,
having previously slashed the program's ad budget.
"Affordable health coverage is more essential than ever during the
pandemic," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who's urging people to
enroll even if Trump keeps trying to do away with the law.
Hard numbers on how virus-related job losses have affected health coverage
are not available because the most reliable government surveys will not be out
until next year. Estimates range from 5 million to 10 million newly uninsured
people. That's on top of 26 million uninsured last year, before the pandemic,
or about 8% of the U.S. population.
"There is a coverage crisis happening, " said Stan Dorn, a health policy
expert now with Families USA, a liberal advocacy group. "And there are fewer
resources available to help, thanks to the Trump cuts."
Dorn worries that's "a setup for epic failure," and many people will remain
uninsured even as states across the country are seeing alarming increases in
coronavirus cases.
Administration officials say HealthCare.gov is open for business and ready
to handle sign-ups online or via its call center. "We'll be working through the
upcoming open enrollment period...to ensure a smooth user experience," CMS
Administrator Seema Verma said.
More than 11 million people currently have coverage through HealthCare.gov
and state-run health insurance markets offering subsidized private plans. The
health law also covers another 12 million people through its Medicaid
expansion, adopted by all but 12 states.
Medicaid enrollment has gone up by nearly 4 million people since March, but
it's still unclear how many laid-off workers are coping after the loss of
employer coverage in the coronavirus economy.
Those who are healthy most likely have other priorities, such as finding
another job. Workers who were furloughed, but not laid off, may have been able
to keep their coverage. Some appear to have switched to a spouse's plan, and
those age 65 and older can get on Medicare.
The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 80% of those who
lost workplace health insurance are eligible for coverage under the law, either
through the insurance markets or Medicaid.
Some private businesses, such as HealthSherpa.com, have created a niche
market helping people enroll in HealthCare.gov plans. Former Obama
administration officials are trying to promote sign-ups through
GetAmericaCovered.org. Community organizations also play a role helping people
with paperwork.
But, Dorn said, "a lot of people who need health insurance may not know
there this is there chance to sign up."
|
|
