RNC Research

The Obama Administration Asked Insurers To Accept Consumers Past The December 23 Enrollment Deadline. “Last week, the administration appealed to the insurance industry to accept people who sought benefits past the Dec. 23 enrollment deadline for Jan. 1, and to consider approving retroactive coverage for consumers who signed up during the month of January.” (Caroline Hunter and Lewis Krauskopf, “Insurers Wary Of New ObamaCare Fix For January Health Plans,” Reuters, 12/18/13)

• Insurers Are Now “Struggling” To Fill The Administration’s Most Recent Request. “Insurance companies are struggling with a new request by the Obama administration to make sure people receive medical benefits under health care reform come Jan. 1, even if they miss a sign-up deadline set for next Monday.” (Caroline Hunter and Lewis Krauskopf, “Insurers Wary Of New ObamaCare Fix For January Health Plans,” Reuters, 12/18/13)

Insurers Are Worried That Allowing Retroactive Coverage Would Lead To Consumers Signing Up For Coverage After Running Up Huge Medical Bills. “So far, the answer has amounted to a big ‘maybe.’ Insurers are worried that some consumers will sign up for retroactive January plans only if they have incurred a hefty medical bill. It is unclear what the costs of that would be or how many shoppers might take advantage of the policy.” (Caroline Hunter and Lewis Krauskopf, “Insurers Wary Of New ObamaCare Fix For January Health Plans,” Reuters, 12/18/13)

• Insurance Spokeswoman: “It’s Like Calling For Homeowners Insurance When Your House Is Already On Fire.” “‘It creates a situation where someone might be able to apply for insurance when they have already had services’ such as in the emergency room, said Mary Beth Chambers, spokeswoman for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. ‘It’s like calling for homeowners insurance when your house is already on fire.’” (Caroline Hunter and Lewis Krauskopf, “Insurers Wary Of New ObamaCare Fix For January Health Plans,” Reuters, 12/18/13)