Another blogging year goes to the archives. As the years go by it seems I write fewer and fewer posts and spend more and more time on each of them. I’d like to think that means the posts are getting better, but I wouldn’t swear to it. Perhaps it’s fair to say my understanding of the ACA marketplace is maturing as the marketplace matures. A few themes in this year’s posting flesh that idea out:
I believe I am in good company when I read Merrill, Charles, and you. Your detail is exemplary.
When you end up repeating yourself time after time, I find myself wondering if I really need to say it again. But as you have said, when the numbers enrolled in free or almost free healthcare insurance do not improve . . . what can be done differently? Perhaps and just a thought, enroll them automatically when they show up at a hospital or doctor when they need care. Especially those at the 200% or less level when it is free. Hospitals and doctors will collect zilch if they are that low in income, so why not?
I wonder if CSR take up would improve if we change the subsidy structure for them to make ALL (not just benchmark) Silver plans premium free below 200% poverty (in other words for CSR 87 and CSR 94). Make them more like Basic Health Plans in NY and MN.
Andrew:
I believe I am in good company when I read Merrill, Charles, and you. Your detail is exemplary.
When you end up repeating yourself time after time, I find myself wondering if I really need to say it again. But as you have said, when the numbers enrolled in free or almost free healthcare insurance do not improve . . . what can be done differently? Perhaps and just a thought, enroll them automatically when they show up at a hospital or doctor when they need care. Especially those at the 200% or less level when it is free. Hospitals and doctors will collect zilch if they are that low in income, so why not?
Just a thought here in AZ.
I wonder if CSR take up would improve if we change the subsidy structure for them to make ALL (not just benchmark) Silver plans premium free below 200% poverty (in other words for CSR 87 and CSR 94). Make them more like Basic Health Plans in NY and MN.