Enrollment Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Dreamers Gain Access to Affordable Care Act Enrollment under Biden Administration Directive

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration is set to enroll about 100,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance next year, a move that showcases the administration’s commitment to providing support for these individuals. This directive, released on Friday, signifies a major step towards ensuring that these immigrants, commonly known as “Dreamers,” have access to essential healthcare coverage. President Joe Biden’s initiative, although delayed and falling short of …

Child Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Declines Impact Millions Across States

Austin, Texas – A recent report reveals a concerning trend in child enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) across the United States. By December 2023, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in these programs nationwide compared to the month before states began the Medicaid “unwinding” process. This unwinding process, following the lifting of COVID-related continuous coverage protections, has led to accelerated losses in enrollment, with significant implications for the affected children …

Colorado Option Sees Surge in Signups During Enrollment Season as Health Care Costs Soar

Denver, CO – The Colorado Option has seen a surge in signups during the current enrollment season. This initiative aims to provide affordable health insurance to residents of Colorado, addressing the rising costs of healthcare in the state. Proponents of the Colorado Option believe that it will help lower premiums and increase the quality of care for consumers. The program is designed to create more competition among insurance providers and increase transparency in pricing, ultimately …

Medicare Enrollment Woes? Locked Social Security Account Leaves Seniors Struggling to Sign Up

Las Vegas, NV – Jodie from Las Vegas, NV faces a dilemma as she approaches her 65th birthday in July. Due to a fraudulent tax refund filed under her Social Security number two years ago, her Social Security account is now blocked. This has prevented her from enrolling in Medicare online through the “My Social Security” account. Jodie is seeking guidance on how to proceed with her Medicare enrollment in light of this situation. In …

Enrollment Drop Threatens County Health System Stability Amidst Medi-Cal Losses

Santa Clara County, located in California, is facing a concerning situation as low-income residents are losing their state-sponsored health care coverage at a time when the demand for services in the public hospital system is surging. The number of Medi-Cal members in the county has declined from 458,000 to 425,000 between June 2023 and January of the following year, according to a recent report. Health advocates are emphasizing the importance of insuring these individuals to …

Enrollment Hastle: Texas Program Rushes to Cover Kids Again, But This Time They Face Massive Drops

Austin, Texas – In the summer of 1999, Randy Fritz faced an impossible task. Working as the executive assistant to the Texas Health Commissioner, William “Reyn” Archer III, Fritz was given the daunting challenge of creating a new statewide health insurance program for underprivileged children not eligible for Medicaid within a tight 10-month deadline. The urgency stemmed from the public pressure to roll out the program quickly after a hesitant Texas Legislature finally passed it …

Medicaid Unwinding Process in Texas Raises Concerns About Enrollment Challenges and Eligibility Uncertainties

Austin, Texas – In 1999, Randy Fritz faced an impossible task as the executive assistant to Texas Health Commissioner William “Reyn” Archer III. He had only 10 months to create a new statewide health insurance program for poor children who did not qualify for Medicaid. The urgency stemmed from public pressure to roll out the program quickly, especially with Governor George W. Bush’s presidential candidacy in the works. The success of the program would give …

Medicare Enrollment: Key Ages and Penalties You Need to Know Before Retirement

Boston, MA – As individuals approach retirement, there are essential ages to keep in mind for financial planning. Understanding when to claim Social Security benefits is crucial, as the full retirement age for individuals born in 1960 or later is 67. However, individuals have the option to start collecting smaller benefit checks as early as 62 or wait until age 70 for larger benefits, necessitating careful consideration. Turning 65 is significant as it marks the …

Enrollment and Renewal Simplified for CHIP Coverage Under New CMS Rule

Washington, D.C. – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented a final rule aimed at streamlining the enrollment and renewal processes for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The new rule, set to take effect in 60 days, will provide eligible adults and children with increased protections under CHIP and Medicaid, originally established by the Affordable Care Act. One significant change included in the final rule is the elimination of waiting periods …

Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Debunking the Myths and Realities

Washington, D.C. – As the debate over Medicare Advantage continues to gain traction across the country, policymakers are facing increasing pressure to address the myths surrounding this popular health insurance program. With enrollment numbers on the rise, many are questioning whether beneficiaries are truly benefitting from their coverage. One of the prevailing misconceptions about Medicare Advantage is the belief that premiums are skyrocketing. However, a recent report reveals that premiums for 2024 remain low and …