Health Care

Proposed fee on health-insurance plans can’t cover costs of a state-funded exchange

Proposed fee on health-insurance plans can’t cover costs of a state-funded exchange

Legislation being advanced by state Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Chicago, would attempt to cover costs by charging a fee on every health-insurance plan sold through the state-funded health insurance exchange. This funding mechanism is likely to be insufficient. In fact, the new state tax on insurance plans may need to be three times the amount currently under consideration to truly cover administrative costs.



By Naomi Lopez Bauman

The top three things McHenry County taxpayers need to know about ‘free’ ObamaCare money

The top three things McHenry County taxpayers need to know about ‘free’ ObamaCare money

The McHenry County Board recently took a brave stance by voting to reject “free” money for Affordable Care Act enrollment, but it’s unclear whether the board’s decision will stand. At issue is almost $585,000 in grant money that is being doled out by the state (but originated with the federal government) to the McHenry County...

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

Insurers’ ObamaCare escape hatch

Insurers’ ObamaCare escape hatch

Insurers wouldn’t participate in the federal health exchange without an escape clause protecting them from the possibility that IRS subsidies would be ruled illegal, according to industry news. It was a smart move, as that possibility just got more likely in recent weeks. At issue is what the plain text of Section 1401 of the Affordable Care...

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

The top 10 things every Illinoisan should know about ObamaCare and Medicaid

The top 10 things every Illinoisan should know about ObamaCare and Medicaid

The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, commonly known as ObamaCare, is failing to deliver on its promises to provide health-care access and affordability. While some Illinoisans now have coverage, it has come at the expense of people like Michéle who lost her employer-based coverage as a result of the law and now struggles to find...