Healthcare Reform Update – June 21, 2010

Implementation News

News coverage of the announcement of grandfathering rules dominated the week in healthcare reform media, with supporters and detractors sharing their views publicly.

• Additional information on grandfathering.
• In other implementation news: the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is recommending a phased implementation of medical loss ratio requirements under healthcare reform.

Sustainable Healthcare System News

• While grandfathering may impact employer choices related to cost-sharing with employers, a recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers, otherwise unrelated to grandfathering, noted many employers have been otherwise planning on expanding that cost-sharing.
• Related: PricewaterhouseCoopers also found employers expect to see a 9 percent increase in their own medical costs in 2011.

The Buzz

• Costs continue to be a top issue in reform news: the challenge of addressing costs after reform that focuses on coverage continues to be an important topic in Massachusetts.