Consumers Union has advocated for improvements in the market place since 1936, including the health care market place. We work for safer health care, affordable coverage and better health insurance choices at the federal and state levels.
REPORT: Creating a Usable Measure of Actuarial Value—A Meeting Synopsis (January 2012) The 2010 health reform law uses the concept of "actuarial value" to standardize the financial protection offered by health plans starting in 2014. This report explores the policies needed to ensure that the new actuarial value requirements result in measures that are meaningful and usable by consumers.
REPORT: Early Consumer Testing of Actuarial Value Concepts (September 2011) This study finds that consumers are very interested in knowing the "value" of their health plan options yet consumers find it exceedingly difficult to assess value. Greater use of actuarial value concepts in how choices are arrayed may both help and hinder consumers as they shop.
BRIEF: What will an "Actuarial Value" Standard Mean for Consumers? (January 2011) Actuarial value is an estimate of the overall financial protection provided by a health plan. This brief explains the concept of actuarial value and how the 2010 health reform law uses actuarial value to standardize the financial protection offered by health plans starting in 2014.
BRIEF: Mini-med Health Plans: Don't Call It Insurance (January 2011) Mini-med health plans provide low levels of coverage. These plans aren't required to conform many of the new requirements designed to protect consumers. Consumers need better clarity on the limits of these plans and policymakers need to explore better alternatives.
REPORT: Simplifying Health Insurance Choices (June 2009) Today, consumers face a bewildering health insurance marketplace, especially if they buy insurance on their own. There is strong research to suggest how health insurance choices can be simplified.
PROJECT: Stronger State Rate Review Policyholders have saved millions in states with a strong rate review process. CU works with state officials to review rate increases for reasonableness, disclose an insurer's rate calculations, and give consumers a voice in the review process.
