Some states and insurers are developing backup plans in case the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is struck down by the Supreme Court, which is hearing oral arguments on the issue today, according to a New York Times report.
States and payors are considering several options to encourage health insurance enrollment if the individual mandate is nixed from the healthcare law. One option is establishing a state-run individual mandate that requires enrollment or assesses a fine.
Another option is penalizing people who delay purchasing coverage or limiting insurance enrollment periods — as Massachusetts did — to discourage people from buying insurance only when needed. In addition, states could require employers to automatically enroll their employees unless they opt out.
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States and payors are considering several options to encourage health insurance enrollment if the individual mandate is nixed from the healthcare law. One option is establishing a state-run individual mandate that requires enrollment or assesses a fine.
Another option is penalizing people who delay purchasing coverage or limiting insurance enrollment periods — as Massachusetts did — to discourage people from buying insurance only when needed. In addition, states could require employers to automatically enroll their employees unless they opt out.
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