The biggest health policy news today isn't the Ryan/Wyden plan. That after all, isn't going anywhere in the short term. And it's really a vindication of Obamacare.... it proposes Obamacare with a public option for seniors!
But no, the bigger news is this: The Obama Administration has told Florida that it will not receive a waiver to the medical loss ratio rule. Here's the story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
The medical loss ratio rule requires insurers to spend 80% of premiums on medical care. If they don't, their insureds get a rebate check.
The decision could mean $60 million in rebates for Florida's insureds. HHS says it found Florida's reasoning for a waiver to be "unpersuasive."
This is a gutsy move by HHS. It is direct confrontation with a state that is refusing to cooperate. And the waiver denial will be certain to be blamed if there is disruption in the Florida insurance market.
But, again HHS is doing what it is supposed to do.