Obamacare Plans Archives - Page 7 of 25

Can Congress Reconcile Trump’s Wishes With Medicaid’s Needs?

Episode 394

April 24, 2025

When Congress returns next week, it will be writing a budget reconciliation bill that’s expected to cut taxes but also make deep cuts to Medicaid. But at least some Republicans are concerned about cutting a program that aids so many of their constituents. Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join �Թϲ��’ Julie Rovner to discuss this story and more. Also, Rovner interviews �Թϲ��’ Rae Ellen Bichell about her story on how care for transgender minors is changing in Colorado.

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The Ranks of Obamacare ‘Fixers’ Axed in Trump’s Reduction of Health Agency Workforce

These fixers, officially known as caseworkers, unraveled complex and arcane health insurance rules to solve people’s coverage issues. They worked in a little-known federal department with which most consumers never interact — until they need help.

By Julie Appleby

April 22, 2025

A photo of an alarm clock on a desk next to blocks with the letters "T-A-X" written on them.

Tax Time Triggers Fraud Alarms for Some Obamacare Enrollees

Consumers who were enrolled fraudulently in Affordable Care Act coverage could receive unexpected tax bills — the first and possibly only clue they were a victim of fraud. Getting help may become difficult as federal workers are laid off and funding for assistance programs is cut.

By Julie Appleby

April 10, 2025

A photo of an older man standing for a portrait in a hospital corridor.

The House Speaker’s Eyeing Big Cuts to Medicaid. In His Louisiana District, It’s a Lifeline.

The GOP-controlled Congress is weighing cuts to Medicaid, the government health program that covers millions of Americans — including nearly 40% of Louisianans represented in the House by Speaker Mike Johnson.

By Phil Galewitz

April 7, 2025

An Affordable Care Act application and enrollment help sign outside of a building.

Trump Health Care Proposal Billed as Consumer Protection but Adds Enrollment Hoops

The proposal also would reverse a Biden administration policy that allowed “Dreamers” — immigrants in the country illegally who were brought here as children — from qualifying for subsidized ACA coverage.

By Julie Appleby

March 10, 2025

An exterior photograph of a modern office building in a metropolitan area. Cars are seen driving in front of the building labeled "Centene Plaza."

Years Later, Centene Settlements With States Still Unfinished

At least 20 states have settled disputes with health insurance giant Centene since 2021 over allegations that its pharmacy benefit manager operation overcharged their Medicaid programs. Two holdouts appear to remain: Georgia has not yet settled, and Florida officials won’t answer questions about its Centene situation.

By Andy Miller

March 5, 2025

A photo of a members of the House of Representatives' Budget Committee seated in a hearing room.

GOP Takes Aim at Medicaid, Putting Enrollees and Providers at Risk

Congressional Republicans are pushing plans that could make deep cuts to Medicaid to finance President Donald Trump’s tax cuts and other priorities. At stake is coverage for millions of low-income Americans, as well as a huge revenue source for hospitals — and every state.

By Phil Galewitz

Feb. 21, 2025

A woman stands out in a wooded area by a pond in autumn.

A Program To Close Insurance Gaps for Native Americans Has Gone Largely Unused

Health leaders say a tool to boost medical coverage for Native Americans, a population that has long faced worse health outcomes than the rest of the nation, has been underused by many states and tribes since it was written into the Affordable Care Act more than a decade ago.

By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez

Jan. 24, 2025

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Creating Chaos at HHS

Episode 381

Jan. 23, 2025

President Donald Trump was sworn in Monday and by Wednesday had virtually stopped scientific policymaking at the Department of Health and Human Services. While incoming administrations often pause public communications, the acting HHS head ordered an unprecedented shutdown of all outside meetings, travel, and publications. Meanwhile, Trump issued a broad array of mostly nonbinding executive orders, but notably none directly concerning abortion. Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join �Թϲ��’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Rodney Whitlock, a former congressional staffer, who explains the convoluted “budget reconciliation” process Republicans hope to use to enact Trump’s agenda.

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A photograph of the back of President-elect Donald Trump as he walks away from the camera.

Trump’s Return Puts Medicaid on the Chopping Block

Republicans in Washington are working on plans to shrink Medicaid, the nearly $900-billion-a-year government health insurance program that covers 1 in 5 Americans.

By Phil Galewitz

Jan. 13, 2025

California governor Gavin Newsom stands behind a blue and white sign that reads "$30 insulin by CalRx"

Health Care Is Newsom’s Biggest Unfinished Project. Trump Complicates That Task.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom enters the second half of his final term, health care stands out as his most ambitious but glaringly incomplete initiative for California residents. The issue will likely shape his national profile for better or worse. And now, Donald Trump brings a new wrinkle.

By Angela Hart and Christine Mai-Duc

Jan. 7, 2025

A photograph of a man from the waist down who is facing away from the camera. He has his hands in the pockets of his shorts. His left leg is a prosthetic.

Health Insurers Limit Coverage of Prosthetic Limbs, Questioning Their Medical Necessity

Advocates say it is discrimination and are arguing for “insurance fairness” on the grounds that people who have joints surgically replaced typically don’t face the same kinds of coverage challenges.

By Michelle Andrews

Jan. 6, 2025

Health Brief

Federal ACA Marketplace Enrollment Lagging

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 19, 2024

A photo of hands typing on a laptop keyboard.

Obamacare Sign-Ups Lag After Trump Election, Legal Challenges

The number of new and returning enrollees using healthcare.gov — the federal marketplace that serves 31 states — is well below last year’s as of early December. Also, a Biden administration push to give “Dreamers” access to Obamacare coverage and subsidies is facing court challenges.

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 19, 2024

A photo of a gavel and stethoscope on a table.

Federal Judge Halts Dreamers’ Brand-New Access to ACA Enrollment in 19 States

A federal judge sided with 19 states seeking an injunction against a Biden administration rule allowing recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage and qualify for subsidies amid the annual open enrollment period.

By Julie Appleby

Dec. 10, 2024

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Journalists Dig Into Vaccine Debate and America’s Obesity Rates

�Թϲ�� staff made the rounds on national and local media in recent weeks to discuss topical stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.

Dec. 7, 2024

A photo of a map with the nine states that would undo Medicaid expansion if federal funding is cut.

9 States Poised To End Coverage for Millions if Trump Cuts Medicaid Funding

About 3.7 million people are at immediate risk of losing health coverage should the federal government cut funding for Medicaid expansions, as some allies of President-elect Donald Trump have proposed. Coverage could be at risk in the 40 states that have expanded Medicaid.

By Phil Galewitz

Dec. 4, 2024

Health Brief

Efforts To Curb ACA Enrollment Fraud Face Real-World Test

By Julie Appleby

Nov. 26, 2024

A cropped shot of a man typing on the keyboard of a laptop at home.

Anti-Fraud Efforts Meet Real-World Test During ACA Enrollment Period

The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.

By Julie Appleby

Nov. 25, 2024

Washington Power Has Shifted. Here’s How the ACA May Shift, Too.

With a new Trump administration poised to move into the White House and Republicans set to control both chambers of Congress, party leaders are making a to-do list for the Affordable Care Act.

By Stephanie Armour, Sam Whitehead, and Julie Rovner

Nov. 21, 2024

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