The report ranks states based on 42 health care measures, showing that only a few states improved on most indicators, while many lost ground. Despite improvements in some areas, the overall pace of change was slow, with wide gaps persisting among states.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds that over three-quarters of US adults are aware of the ACA's individual mandate, while only four in ten know about new health insurance marketplaces and premium subsidies. Broad support for expanding Medicaid is also evident, with 68% of adults favoring it in their state.
A new survey found that 7.8 million young adults gained new or better coverage through the Affordable Care Act, but millions are at risk of remaining uninsured due to lack of awareness about health insurance marketplaces and Medicaid expansion. Young adults from low- and middle-income households are disproportionately affected.
A new study proposes a 'Medicare Essential' plan that combines Medicare's hospital, physician, and prescription drug coverage with private supplemental coverage to simplify benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. The plan aims to save $180 billion over 10 years while improving care for beneficiaries.
A biennial health insurance survey found that nearly half of all working-age US adults went without health insurance for a time, while 75 million struggled with medical debt. The Affordable Care Act's provisions have helped young adults gain coverage and improve affordability.
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have selected a benchmark plan to meet the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit requirement. Most selected the largest small-group plan, which will serve as the basis for individual and small-group market plans.
Only 11 states and the District of Columbia have implemented key health insurance market reforms under the Affordable Care Act, leaving 39 states vulnerable to limited enforcement. States must take action to ensure compliance with consumer protections, such as bans on denying coverage due to preexisting conditions.
Average employer-sponsored family health insurance plan premiums increased by 62% between 2003 and 2011, rising to $15,022 per year. Employee payments for their share of health insurance premiums also rose by 74%, with deductibles more than doubling.
Consumers with individual insurance policies received $394 million in rebates, while insurers reduced overhead by $560 million. The Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio provision led to improvements in administrative costs and medical loss ratios in the individual market.
A recent survey found that 69% of US primary care physicians use electronic medical records, but still face challenges with communication and teamwork. The majority of doctors support a fundamental health system change to address these issues, while also expressing frustration with insurance restrictions and patient affordability.
Governor Romney's plan would increase uninsured in every state to 72 million, while the Affordable Care Act reduces it to 27 million; children and low- and middle-income Americans particularly affected
The ACA's Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) is providing a temporary coverage option for people with pre-existing health conditions until the new state exchanges are implemented in 2014. State-run high-risk pools, while helpful as a stop-gap measure, are expensive to run and often unaffordable for those who need them.
The US performs worst on potentially preventable death rates compared to France, Germany, and the UK, with slower progress in improving healthcare. Despite higher healthcare spending, the US has made less progress in reducing preventable deaths among men and women under 65.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries have better access to care and financial protection than adults with private coverage. Only 8% of Medicare beneficiaries rated their insurance as fair or poor, compared to 20% of those with employer insurance and 33% who purchased insurance on their own.
According to the Commonwealth Fund report, 20% of US women were uninsured in 2010, up from 15% in 2000. The Affordable Care Act has helped reduce the uninsured rate among women, with an estimated drop below 14% in states where more than one quarter of women lacked coverage in 2009/10.
Young adults were more likely to gain health insurance or stay on their parents' plans after the Affordable Care Act's passage. Many struggled with medical debt and skipped care due to cost, with those without insurance facing greater challenges.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that 51% of Americans with individual market health insurance plans have 'tin' plans with poor coverage, which would not meet minimum standards. However, once the state-based exchanges launch in 2014, many will be able to purchase better plans with premium subsidies.
The US spent nearly $8,000 per person in 2009 on health care services, while other countries in the study spent between one-third and two-thirds as much. Higher prices and greater use of technology appear to be the main factors driving high rates of US spending.
The US Commission on a High Performance Health System proposes a community-based initiative to enhance health and reduce spending, focusing on chronically ill patients and quality improvement efforts. The plan aims to save $184 billion in health spending over the next decade by improving care for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
A Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly two-thirds of individuals who tried to buy individual health insurance policies found it difficult or impossible to find affordable coverage. The report also shows that longer insurance gaps are linked to lower rates of screening and preventive care, with significant disparities among thos...
A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that consumers nationwide could have received nearly $2 billion in rebates if the Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio rules had been in effect in 2010. This would have resulted from insurers issuing rebates or reducing premiums to meet minimum quality and care standards.
49 states and the District of Columbia have taken action supporting the Affordable Care Act's implementation, including passing legislation, issuing regulations, or reviewing insurer filings. States have adopted a range of pragmatic approaches to ensure residents receive consumer protections promised under the law.
Health insurance costs outpaced income growth in every state, with premium increases ranging from 33% in Idaho to 70% in Mississippi. Employees contributed 63% more to premiums while getting less protective coverage, with per-person deductibles doubling over the same period.
A new international health survey found that chronically ill US adults who received care from a medical home were less likely to report medical errors and had better relationships with their doctors. In contrast, the US stood out for having the highest rates of cost-related access problems and medical bill burdens.
The US health care system scored 64 out of 100 on key measures, with notable improvements in quality of care but significant erosion in access and affordability. The scorecard highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve areas such as adoption and use of health information technology and prevention of premature deaths.
A new report highlights significant disparities in health care access and outcomes among vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a three-pronged policy framework to ensure adequate access, financial protection, and improved coordination of care. This will help reduce rates of preventable hospital admissions ...
The study finds wide variation in state performance on long-term services and supports, with top-performing states still facing challenges. States can improve by adopting policies shown to provide better outcomes, and all states need to vastly improve areas such as home care and support for family caregivers.
A new study found that nearly half of US adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2010, with many struggling to pay medical bills and skipping necessary care. Affordable Care Act reforms could substantially reduce the number of underinsured individuals by up to 70%.
A new Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly three-quarters of people who lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs over the last two years skipped needed health care or struggled with medical bills. The Affordable Care Act will provide expanded health insurance options, including subsidies and Medicaid coverage, star...
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that Medicaid managed care plans owned by publicly traded for-profit companies spend an average of 14% on administrative costs, compared to 10% for non-publicly traded plans. The report highlights concerns about quality of care and efficiency in these plans.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund found that nearly half of young adults (45%) couldn't afford needed healthcare in 2010, with 40% struggling to pay medical bills. The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference, with over 600,000 young adults gaining new insurance coverage since 2010.
Key findings from the Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey include widespread support for states to implement key health reform law provisions early with full federal support. The survey also highlights concerns about barriers to implementation, such as capacity of state agencies and budget pressures.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund recommends modifications to current policies to minimize gaps in health insurance coverage and administrative burdens when people's lives change, particularly during job transitions or income fluctuations. The report aims to ensure that individuals can easily sign up for and keep their coverage, re...
The Affordable Care Act is expanding health insurance coverage to nearly all uninsured women, addressing the issue of millions unable to afford needed healthcare. The law includes premium subsidies and new rules protecting women from high costs, aiming to increase access to preventive care and reduce medical debt.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund finds that 90% of American families living above the federal poverty level will be able to afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. However, high out-of-pocket costs will still be a challenge for some families, particularly those with incomes between 100-300% of poverty.
Implementing ACOs effectively has the potential to achieve better care, population health, and lower costs. The Commission's recommendations for ACOs include strong primary care foundation, accountability for quality, informed patients, commitment to serving the community, and innovative payment methods.
A survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that seven in ten adults think the US healthcare system needs to be fundamentally changed. The concerns include access barriers, poorly coordinated care, and growing costs. Strong support was also shown for patient-centered care systems and innovative use of teams and information systems.
The Commonwealth Fund survey reveals a bleak picture for working-age adults who lost their jobs and health insurance, with 57% of those who were insured through a job that was lost becoming uninsured. The survey also finds that health care costs are preventing people from getting the healthcare they need, with 75 million adults skippin...
A new state scorecard reveals wide disparities in children's health care, despite federal expansion of CHIP and Medicaid. The report finds that 5.6 million additional children could gain insurance, 10.2 million more receive preventive care, if all states performed as well as top-ranked states.
The Affordable Care Act offers comprehensive health benefits to 8.6 million uninsured adults ages 50-64 and 9.7 million underinsured adults. Baby boomers will gain improved coverage through essential benefit standards, limits on out-of-pocket spending, and elimination of lifetime benefit limits.
The report found that employer-sponsored family health insurance premiums rose 41% across states from 2003 to 2009, outpacing median incomes. By 2020, average annual premiums would increase by 79%, reaching $23,342 for families. ACA reforms aim to slow cost growth and improve coverage.
The US stands out for highest out-of-pocket costs and most complex health insurance among 11 industrialized nations. Adults with lower incomes face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and affording medical bills.
A study published in Health Affairs found that eliminating copayments for diabetes and vascular disease patients stabilized statin adherence rates, with a 2.8% increase in the Pitney Bowes group compared to a control group. Similarly, lower copayments for clopidogrel prescription led to an immediate stabilizing of adherence rates.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund predicts that up to 12.1 million young adults will gain subsidized insurance under the Affordable Care Act, while 7.2 million will gain Medicaid coverage and 4.9 million private coverage through new exchanges. The law aims to reduce the uninsured rate among young adults from nearly 15 million in 2009.
A Commonwealth Fund study found that US life expectancy has declined relative to other developed nations, despite higher healthcare spending. The researchers attribute the decline to flaws in the US healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.
The Commonwealth Fund's new report provides recommendations for state and federal policymakers to design effective health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The report suggests that exchanges should be independent, governed by boards with representatives from various agencies, to avoid adverse selection and reduce admin...
16.6 million small business employees are eligible for tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with benefits including increased competition among insurers and reduced health insurance premiums. By 2013, 3.4 million workers may take advantage of the tax credit, which increases in value to up to 50% of premium contribution by 2014.
The Affordable Care Act will stabilize and reverse growing health costs for women through subsidized insurance coverage and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Women are expected to benefit from the law's provisions on maternity care, newborn coverage, and protection against higher premiums and coverage denials based on gender.
The US ranked last in five areas of health system performance: quality, efficiency, access, equity, and healthy lives. Affordable Care Act provisions may improve access and equity, but the country still lags behind others on measures of quality and value.
The study found that post-Katrina primary care clinics in New Orleans provided efficient and affordable healthcare to low-income and uninsured patients. The clinics reported lower instances of medical debt, delayed appointments, and inadequate communication with doctors compared to the general population.