Indiana Hospital Caps – Indiana is moving forward with price cap requirements for the five largest hospital systems. Indiana is expected to release data identifying which hospitals may be affected by the cap at the end of the month. Other states are looking into following Indiana’s model as rising health care costs continue to pressure employers.
New National Health Expenditure Data Released – CMS’ Office of the Actuary released updated national health expenditure data this week. Health care spending exceeded GDP growth in 2024 and is expected to continue to exceed it for the next few years. Additionally, OACT expects the uninsured percent rate to increase sizably in the next few years as a result of expiration of Covid-era policies as OBBBA requirements take effect.
ACA Premiums – Georgetown’s CHIRblog released a helpful summary of proposed 2027 rates. Early rates point to another double-digit premium increase again in 2027. Higher trend and continued policy impacts/uncertainty were cited as the main reason for the high premiums. CMS typically releases proposed rates in early August; a nationwide view should be available then.
Things to Monitor
- Congress: Congress continues to discuss the possibility of reconciliation bill 3.0. However, other issues like defense spending and voting are currently taking priority. Most observers believe that if no action occurs soon, further action is unlikely to occur until after the midterm elections.
- Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is expected to release some of its most impactful rulings over the next week or two. Issues include limits on executive power constraints and birthright citizenship. Both issues could have health policy implications.
