How state-based ACA exchanges are learning to get by on smaller budgets

The 13 states that run their own health insurance marketplaces are struggling with financial sustainability, writes CQ Roll Call’s Eric Mershon.

With the $5 billion in federal grants available to states that set up their own exchanges now largely gone, Mershon says states are trying out different methods to get by on a smaller budget, like increased user fees in Colorado and finding less expensive ways of advertising in Rhode Island.

“The marketplaces are having to make some sort of tough choices," said Jennifer Tolbert, director of state health reform at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "They're trying to figure out how to balance all of the competing needs that they have for a well-run, well-functioning marketplace with, in some cases, some more limited dollars."

For more on how state exchanges plan to survive without so much federal assistance, click on the link below: 

""
John Gregory, Senior Writer

John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.

Around the web

Compensation for heart specialists continues to climb. What does this say about cardiology as a whole? Could private equity's rising influence bring about change? We spoke to MedAxiom CEO Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, a veteran cardiologist himself, to learn more.

The American College of Cardiology has shared its perspective on new CMS payment policies, highlighting revenue concerns while providing key details for cardiologists and other cardiology professionals. 

As debate simmers over how best to regulate AI, experts continue to offer guidance on where to start, how to proceed and what to emphasize. A new resource models its recommendations on what its authors call the “SETO Loop.”