Health Plan Weekly

In a letter released by Families USA, the advocacy group plus more than 70 organizations called on Congress to pass an extension of the enhanced advance premium tax credits (APTCs) that are set to expire after 2025. Multiple studies have suggested that if Congress fails to extend the subsidies, millions of Americans will lose their Affordable Care Act exchange coverage, and millions more will see their monthly premiums go up significantly.

The enhanced subsidies have been in place since 2021 due to the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act extended them through 2025. They increased the level of APTCs available to lower-income individuals (making $0-premium plans widely available to that group) and extended APTC eligibility to people with incomes at or above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

While President-elect Donald Trump has not disclosed what his health care policy priorities will be when he takes office next month, some conservative think tanks have recommended decreasing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for the Medicaid expansion population. Such a move would require congressional approval, but if that were to happen, it could have a significant impact on the uninsured rate and access to care for many adults, according to a recent KFF issue brief.  

Twelve states have laws that would automatically end Medicaid expansion or require other changes if the FMAP falls below the current 90% level. However, Robin Rudowitz, an author of the KFF brief, tells AIS Health that “all states would basically need to come back to the table to evaluate what to do because the federal government pays for such a large share” of the Medicaid expansion. 

One day after the Dec. 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sent shock waves through the industry, new details have begun to emerge that suggest anger at health insurers as a possible motive in the crime. Seemingly in response, some insurers started taking precautionary steps, while the sector’s main trade group condemned the notion that threats against people who work in the industry are “ever acceptable.” 

Multiple news outlets have reported that there were words written on bullet casings left at the scene of the shooting, which occurred outside a New York City hotel where UnitedHealth Group was set to hold its annual Investor Day conference. Accounts vary about what those words were, but most outlets reported that one of the words was “deny.” Other words on the casings included some combination of “defend,” “depose” and “delay,” according to various news reports.  

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel on Dec. 4, ahead of the annual Investor Day meeting held by UnitedHealth Group, New York Police Department officials confirmed in a midday press conference.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement posted to its website. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”