Insurance Market Reform

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission released their June report that presents a baseline description of managed care in Medicaid.

The report analyzes data regarding the level of commissions to brokers and "identifies options to modify MLR definitions, methodology and/or numerical standards that may be necessary to protect health insurance consumers, and to preserve the important role of producers in the health insurance transaction and in the resolution of disputed health insurance claims."

According to findings of a study released May 26, 2011 by researchers at George Mason University and the Urban Institute, greater spending on medical services means better overall health for Medicare beneficiaries.

On May 26, 2011 Governor Bev Perdue signed into law H.B. 578, which amended previously enacted S.B. 323, measures that will transfer oversight of the state health plan from the Legislature to the state Treasurer's Office, and implement a number of other changes aimed at cost savings.

June 6, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Federally Qualified Health Center Advanced Primary Care Practice (FQHC APCP) demonstration project.

The Subcommittee on Health has scheduled a hearing on Thursday, June 2, 2011. The hearing is entitled “PPACA’s Effects on Maintaining Health Coverage and Jobs: A Review of the Health Care Law’s Regulatory Burden.”

The Utah Department of Health released 2010 uninsurance estimates showing that 10.6 percent of the state’s population lacked health insurance coverage.

This policy brief provides an update on the estimates of the uninsurance rate in Massachusetts as of Spring 2010.

This paper outlines options for exchange governance, such as an exchange’s location relative to state insurance regulators and other state agencies; an exchange’s operation and legal structure; and ensuring exchange accountability.

On May 17, 2011, Governor Paul LePage signed Maine's new health insurance reform bill.