On Wednesday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., warned Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius that he sees “a huge train wreck coming down” as 2014 nears. During a budget hearing, Senator Baucus, one of the chief proponents of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, voiced fears about the opening of the health insurance exchanges and a lack of public information on how to access insurance through the new marketplaces.
The AP reports that Senator Baucus told Secretary Sebelius: “The administration’s public information campaign on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act deserve a failing grade. You need to fix this.”
Skepticism concerning the on-time opening of the health insurance exchanges is not a new concept. Recently, the Department of Labor delayed the effective date of the Notice of Exchange employers will be required to distribute to employees informing them of the existence of the exchanges. With open enrollment set to begin in just a few short months, many wonder if the federal government is in fact on track to open and operate health insurance exchanges in at least half the states.
A number of online sources contain information about how PPACA’s requirements will impact individuals and families when fully implemented – the federal government’s website devoted to healthcare reform provides some useful information about the benefits of healthcare reform, but little in the way of practical information. Individuals may also sign up for email and text alerts. The White House has also published a healthcare reform website containing recent healthcare news, a page dedicated to myths and facts, and information about how the law treats women and families, young adults, seniors, employers and providers. Again, there is little in the way of practical information outside of highlighting the law’s benefits and new requirements.
From an employer perspective, ineffective communication about the benefits may result in the perception of the benefits having less value than what is actually provided. Ineffective communication may also result in confusion surrounding how to sign up for the benefits, how to choose the right kind of benefits, and how to use the benefits effectively. If Senator Baucus’ prediction is correct, widespread confusion about how to purchase health insurance through an exchange and how to qualify for premium tax credits or cost sharing subsidies may become a reality. If so, this may undermine the effectiveness of healthcare reform and its intended purposes – to deliver healthcare in an efficient, cost-effective manor to more individuals.
For more information on Senator Baucus’ comments and the response by Secretary Sebelius, read these reports from Politico, the Washington Post, and the New York Times blog The Caucus.
