Julie Appleby

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Trump’s DOJ accuses Medicare Advantage insurers of paying ‘kickbacks’ for primo customers

The lawsuit adds fuel to concerns about whether Medicare enrollees are being encouraged to select the coverage that is best for them — or the one that makes the most money for the broker

May 19

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SHUTTERSTOCK

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.

Apr 10

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SHUTTERSTOCK

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.

Mar 11

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A group of protesters rallying against restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth in Texas in 2022. | COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Trump’s order on gender-affirming care escalates reversal of trans rights

The Jan. 28 executive order directs federal regulators to cut insurance coverage for hormonal or surgical treatments that help in young peoples’ gender transitions and cut federal funding for medical professionals or institutions that provide such care. It will likely be challenged in court.

Feb 4

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United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. | FRANCINE SRECA/PIXABAY

Employers press Congress to cement health price transparency before Trump’s return

Four years after the first Trump administration required hospitals and insurers to disclose charges and payments, it's unclear if the change is leading to lower health care costs

Dec 28, 2024

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BLOGTREPRENEUR/CC BY 2.0)

‘Dreamers’ can enroll in ACA plans this year — but a court challenge could get in the way

Nineteen states are seeking to stall a Biden administration rule that would allow recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to enroll in ACA coverage and qualify for subsidies

Oct 31, 2024

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SHUTTERSTOCK

What’s new and what to watch for in the upcoming ACA open enrollment period

This year’s start date in most states is Nov. 1, and consumers may encounter new scams as well as important rule changes.

Oct 8, 2024

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United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. | FRANCINE SRECA/PIXABAY

New lines of attack form against the Affordable Care Act

While fighting potential fraud in government programs has long been a conservative rallying cry, recent criticisms of the Affordable Care Act represent a renewed line of attack on the program when repealing it is unlikely.

Aug 29, 2024

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Insurers have joined with HealthSherpa, the largest private sector enrollment site used by brokers signing people up for Affordable Care Act coverage through the federal marketplace, in an effort to thwart an ongoing problem of unauthorized ACA sign-ups. | ERIC HARKLEROAD/KFF HEALTH NEWS

HealthSherpa and insurers team up to curb unauthorized ACA enrollment schemes

With consumers complaining of spam calls, rogue brokers and bogus enrollments, a web broker has announced a plan to look for illegalities. Critics say the algorithms used could lead to false accusations.

Jul 18, 2024