In the wake of President Donald Trump's decision to cut federal funding of cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers, states are falling back on secondary plans or hassling to map next steps, The Washington Post reports.
Here are four things to know.
1. After months of speculation, President Trump announced Thursday federal funding for CSR payments, which help offset the cost of providing health insurance to lower-income Americans purchasing plans on the ACA exchanges, would conclude immediately.
2. Insurers in several states prepared for the possible end of CSR payments and filed 2018 premium rates assuming their exclusion. While Oregon insurers filed rates as if the CSRs were going to be paid, the state calculated what premium increase would be needed if the payments ended. Oregon officials told insurers Friday to increase rates by 7.1 percent, according to the report.
3. However, not all states required insurers to factor in the possible cuts. Montana did not say whether insurers should file rates assuming CSRs, and two filed for single-digit increases. On Monday, CMS said it would allow Montana insurers to refile rates to account for the lost CSR payments. Jon Godfread, North Dakota's insurance commissioner, said insurers will not be allowed to refile higher rates.
4. In contrast, Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler instructed insurers Monday to refile higher rates, set to increase between 9 and 27 percent, The Washington Post reports.