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CBO Says Not Funding CSRs Will Increase
Federal Deficit by $194 Million

In a new report released August 15, the federal Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) say that a policy of not funding cost sharing reductions (CSRs) would result in market uncertainty and higher federal outlays for premium tax credits. The report analyzes the effect of a hypothetical announcement by the end of August that the CSRs would not be funded beginning January 1, 2018.

CSRs are center stage in the question of overall market stability for the exchange marketplace and the overall individual market. The Trump Administration has been announcing on a month-to-month basis whether it will continue funding cost sharing reduction payments for each month of the 2017 benefit year, with the latest report on August 16 that the payments will continue through August.

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WHA Analysis: Insurer Exits Likely to Leave Fewer Choices on WI’s Exchange 
 WHA CEO calls on Congress
to act now to stabilize
insurance markets and preserve
Wisconsin coverage gains

With the news that California-based health insurance company Molina As uncertainty grips health insurance markets throughout the country, people across Wisconsin who buy their insurance through the exchange marketplace could see fewer choices in 2018.

That’s according to a new Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) analysis which provides a synopsis of expected changes for the 2018 benefit year based on announcements to date. Insurers are expected to enter into final agreements with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for offering exchange coverage by the end of September, so additional changes could still happen. (Read more...)

Wisconsin Workers Comp Premiums Plummet

Wisconsin businesses see largest drop in workers comp rates since 1995

Wisconsin employers will see the second largest decrease in premium rates for worker’s compensation in 22 years. This week, the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance approved an overall 8.46 percent rate decrease for worker’s compensation premiums for business this year following a 3.19 percent decline last year. According to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) this decrease represents a savings of nearly $170 million for employers.

“This is the second consecutive year worker’s compensation rates have declined in Wisconsin, reaffirming our commitment that Wisconsin is open for business,” said Gov. Scott Walker. In a press release, DWD Secretary Ray Allen credited workplace safety efforts, as well as efforts to bring injured workers back to work as soon as possible. (Read more...)

Wisconsin Hospitals are Committed to Quality and Transparency

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Hall Render Merritt Hawkins  

Fast Facts
By the Numbers:

General med-surg hospitals:  129
Critical access hospitals:58
LT acute care hospitals: 6
Psychiatric hospitals: 10
Inpatient days (2014): 2,600,153
Outpatient days (2014): 18,211,447

 Wisconsin hospitals employ more than 100,000 people and generate nearly
$30 billion in economic activity.

NewsClips

 

This Week's Priorities

Exchange: Insurer exits are likely to leave fewer choices on Wisconsin's exchange in 2018. (Read more)

Emergency Prep: On Sept. 20 WHA is sponsoring the "WHA Emergency Preparedness Conference."(Read more)

Zika: New guidance has been issued for testing in pregnant women.(Read more)

 

WHA Job Bulletin

The WHA Job Bulletin provides member hospitals a venue where they can post vacancies on-line as a no cost benefit of membership.

 

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