Multiple states have introduced legislation in 2025 aimed at offering tax relief to small businesses that provide individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements, or ICHRAs, to their employees. The proposals would incentivize small employers to adopt ICHRAs by offering tax credits…
Policy Updates
CMS will increase payments to Medicare Advantage plans by more than $25 billion in 2026. The agency published the final rate announcement for MA plans April 7. According to CMS, MA plans can expect a payment increase of 5.06% in…
Groups representing insurers praised CMS’s final rule for Medicare Advantage in 2026. In a statement published April 4, Better Medicare Alliance President Mary Beth Donahue called the rule the “right decision to protect seniors and the Medicare Advantage program.” “As…
Most states are implementing strategies to increase the number of automatic renewals for Medicaid beneficiaries, according to a survey from KFF. The research organization published its annual survey of state Medicaid directors April 1. Every state except Florida responded to…
Medicare Advantage insurers are spending an increasing amount on fees and commissions paid to brokers, a report from the office of Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden found. Mr. Wyden said he planned to open an investigation into five…
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Several states are considering regulating how insurers can use AI in prior authorization. In January, a California law took effect that prohibits payers from making coverage decisions based solely on artificial intelligence algorithms. The law requires any denial, delay or…
Texas lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow employers to offer health coverage that does not include certain state-mandated health benefits, such as childhood vaccines, hearing screenings, cancer screenings, mental health coverage and diabetes services. The bill was introduced March…
Idaho lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at transitioning the state’s Medicaid program to a managed care system while introducing work requirements for able-bodied adults and providing tax credits to help individuals purchase coverage on the state’s ACA exchange.
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require health insurance coverage for the management and treatment of obesity, including GLP-1s.
CMS is proposing a set of new regulations for ACA marketplaces, including shortening the annual enrollment window and rescinding eligibility for DACA recipients.