5 health insurance changes recently pursued by states, cities

Stakeholders and lawmakers in these five states and cities recently proposed or signed into law changes to their health insurance programs, as reported by Becker's Hospital Review.

1. Washington state lawmakers passed a law to implement a public option health insurance plan May 13. Under the bill, the state will launch Cascade Care. Washington will contract with private health insurers to administer the plan, but still control the terms to manage costs.

2. In a first for the nation, Maryland will allow its residents to sign up for health insurance when they file their taxes in 2020. Under the measure, signed into law May 13 by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, Maryland residents can check a box on their tax forms that will ask, "Are you insured now?" If residents check no and are eligible for Medicaid, residents will be automatically enrolled in the program unless they object.

3. Montana reauthorized its Medicaid program under new legislation that also adds work requirements to the program. Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock signed the bill May 9, which reauthorized the state's Medicaid program for another six years. In addition, able-bodied Medicaid recipients will be required to participate in 80 hours of work or community service each month to maintain their benefits.

4. The Mississippi Hospital Association proposed offering residents who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to receive subsidies on the ACA individual market a health plan similar to Medicaid for $20 a month.

5. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio debuted the city's new NYC Care Cards for its uninsured population on May 7. Uninsured New Yorkers who are eligible for the cards can use them to access physicians, undergo preventive screenings and tests, and schedule appointments, the mayor's office said May 7.

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