Nearly half of all Americans can be expected to go without coverage at least once over a ten year period. Even small bouts of un-insurance can have negative outcomes on individuals’ health and financial stability. Key triggers of loss of coverage include: unemployment, reduction in work hours, changing jobs, moving and divorce. COBRA benefits are currently the main option for people who lose job-based coverage, but take-up rates are low due to high costs at a time of reduced income. The new health insurance exchanges have the potential to provide seamless coverage for those who lose employer-sponsored insurance due to life transitions. Achieving this full potential will require action by the federal and state entities charged with implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
At this event, a panel of experts will present data from a new policy brief to be released at the event and provide recommendations for the federal government and the states on ACA implementation to maximize coverage after life transitions.
Opening Remarks:
Topher Spiro, Managing Director for Health Policy, Center for American Progress
Panelists:
Ken Jacobs, UC Berkeley Labor Center
Beth Capell, Health Access California
Mark Iwry, Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Retirement and Health Policy, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Helen Morrison, Deputy Benefits Tax Counsel, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Moderator:
Ann O’Leary, UC Berkeley School of Law