Issue Briefs | Apr 12, 2012

Analysis of HHS Final Rules On Reinsurance, Risk Corridors And Risk Adjustment

Wakely Consulting Group – Ross Winkelman, FSA, MAAA, Julie Peper, FSA, MAAA, Patrick Holland, Syed Mehmud, ASA, MAAA, James Woolman

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) much of the expanded coverage will be provided through health insurers offering products on the new health benefit exchanges (exchanges). By compensating issuers for the risks related to the individuals they enroll, provisions related to reinsurance, risk corridors and risk adjustment are designed to lessen the financial risk issuers and exchanges will face under the ACA. These programs will mitigate the impact of adverse selection and encourage issuers to compete based on cost and quality, rather than attracting the healthiest, lowest-cost enrollees. On March 16, 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final rules, titled “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Standards Related to Reinsurance, Risk Corridors and Risk Adjustment.” This research brief prepared by Wakely Consulting Group summarizes the final rules, highlights the changes from the proposed rules of July 11, 2011, and provides Wakely’s perspective on the implications. It is intended for policymakers and state officials familiar with the complexities underlying these issues.

Wakely Consulting Group has also prepared a Work Plan that serves as an outline for state officials on the decisions and actions necessary to implement the risk adjustment and reinsurance provisions of the ACA.

 


Expert Perspectives

July 10, 2020

Essential Workers in Challenging Environments: How States Are Working to Protect Farmworkers

Marissa Korn, State Health and Value Strategies

While efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have been difficult in all environments, the conditions for those working in agricultural production raise additional challenges. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers, many of whom travel as crops ripen throughout the spring and summer, live and work under conditions that even before COVID-19 posed risks to their safety and wellbeing. This expert perspective  examines approaches to addressing the particular risks of COVID-19 faced by farmworkers, provides a survey of state and local policies and outlines some key themes and recommendations for policymakers as they work to support agricultural workers and stem the spread of COVID-19.