PPACA

Signed into law by President Obama on March 23rd, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) made sweeping changes to the nation's health care system. The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of PPACA on March 26-28, with a team of LifeHealthPro editors reporting live from the event in Washington D.C. The industry — and the nation — awaits the verdict, to be announced sometime in June 2012. Stay tuned to this page for critical news coverage, including industry-specific perspectives, expert interviews, videos and live reporting via Twitter (#ppaca).

NAIC Grapples with Collecting, Sharing Data for QHP Oversight in Exchanges

By Elizabeth Festa | May 21, 2012

SERFF, the Market Conduct Annual Statement and the possible creation of unique state-specific accreditation bodies could help fulfill exchange requirements for qualified health plans.
Catholic Dioceses, Colleges Sue Over Obama Mandate

By Rachel Zoll, AP Religion Writer | May 21, 2012

Notre Dame and the Catholic University of America are two of the best-known institutions on the list of plaintiffs.
PPACA: Arizona Implementing Health Rate Review Rules

By Paul Davenport, Associated Press | May 18, 2012

Arizona Blue is supporting efforts by Gov. Jan Brewer -- a Republican -- to shift to PPACA-based coverage price standards.
PPACA: Court Could Kill PCIP

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press | May 17, 2012

AP's take on a risk pool program that has irritated brokers but served as an insurer of last resort for some patients.
PPACA: Feds Say Their Exchanges Will Love Agents

By Allison Bell | May 16, 2012

CCIIO offers PPACA federal exchange guidance to work as closely with producers as states will let it.
Milliman Health Cost Study: Facilities Outmuscle Physicians

By Allison Bell | May 15, 2012

Employer plan costs rose 5% for physician care, 7.6% for hospital inpatient care, and 8.6% for outpatient care.
Cigna to Put More Eggs in Another Basket

By Allison Bell | May 15, 2012

Cigna agrees to acquire the Great American supplemental insurance business and expand its individual and senior segments.
PPACA MLR Rules: What If the Insurer Paid Enough Claims?

By Allison Bell | May 11, 2012

CMS says issuers that exceeded the PPACA MLR minimums must send notices, but only general notices, and only for 2011.
New Jersey Governor Vetoes Exchange Bill

By Allison Bell | May 11, 2012

A.B. 2171 would create an exchange that would be an "active purchaser," or selector, of coverage menu options.
Are Carriers Doomed?

By Ingrid Case | May 9, 2012

The mainstream media predicts ACOs will kill health insurance. Others aren’t so sure.