National Notes:

Launch of new website for health insurance options

On July 1, 2010, the federal government launched a new website that will assist consumers in finding health insurance options.  At first glance, the site appears to have a user friendly layout.  Consumers must click on a tab entitled "find insurance options" and answer several questions.  Consumers are then guided to several options depending on responses to a set of questions.   Consumers with pre-existing conditions have an alternative option through the pre-existing condition insurance plans (PCIP) (see update below).

Consumers Union, the non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports refers to the new website as:

"For the first time, no matter where you live, you can go to one place and compare health plans available in your area. The site is nicely designed.  It's easy to find information.  It tries to avoid the complicated language that you usually get when you're shopping for a health plan.  Starting this fall, the site will have more information, like price and quality of service comparisons, which will be a big help for consumers." 

To learn more about insurance options, please visit:  http://finder.healthcare.gov/

Update:  Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans through the temporary high risk pools

The federal government launched a website that will allow individuals with pre-existing conditions to find and apply for access to temporary high risk pools operated by their state or the federal government.  To qualify for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) the website's Q&A indicates:

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan?

A: There are a few requirements to meet before you can enroll in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

• You must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States.
• You must have been uninsured for at least the last six months.
• You must have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

As an example the state of Arizona section states:

• You can apply for the PCIP in AZ, but premium rates are not officially available until 7/15/10
• The estimated premium for a 50 year old will be between $491 and $600
• If you apply before 7/15/10, you will be notified by mail of the premium amount upon application approval
• You must send in payment, for your coverage to be effective

If you meet the eligibility requirements it is important to apply as soon as possible.  To learn more and apply, please visit:  http://www.pcip.gov/

Additional information on the temporary high risk pools can be found on the Kaiser Family Foundation website at:   http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/8066.pdf

President refers to the Wilkes' family during June 22, 2010 address

President Obama highlighted the 90^th day anniversary of the signing and passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on June 22, 2010.  During his address, the President refers to Nathan and Thomas Wilkes.  To watch the video, please visit (note:  watch at 15:03 minutes to hear the POTUS refer to the Wilkes'): http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/implementing-affordable-care-act

States in Brief:

Kansas Governor speaks to Kaiser Health Network on Medicaid and FMAP

With the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs), set to expire at the end of the year, many states are worried about federal government funding support for state Medicaid programs.  The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures such as Medicaid (source: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/fmap.htm).   Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson discussed his concerns with FMAP during a Kaiser Health News interview:  http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2010/June/30/medicaid-states-Kansas-Parkinson.aspx

NCSL Information on FMAP http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?TabId=20453#FMAP_Extension_and_the_Impact_on_States

Politico article on FMAP-federal Medicaid funds: http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/medicaid/105499-extenders-defeat-leaves-state-medicaid-help-in-limbo

Comments around the states on the Budget and FMAP

• Colorado
• http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/991915-revenue-forecasts-show-state-not-done-cutting-2010-11
• http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=9079
• Michigan http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/united_states/michigan-faces-560-million-budget-shortfall-without-fmap-extension-34756.html
• Nevada http://www.nevadanewsbureau.com/2010/06/30/nevada-budget-director-says-congress-not-expected-to-extend-medicaid-funding-to-states/
• New York http://beta.wnyc.org/articles/politics/2010/jun/29/paterson-budget-and-how-he-will-sign-vetoes/
• Ohio http://www.examiner.com/x-23537-Columbus-Government-Examiner~y2010m6d18-As-Ohio-Budget-Planning--Management-Commission-sets-meetings-Medicaid-FMAP-costs-loom-ominous

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