Louise Norris
@louisenorris.bsky.social
Health policy analyst. Health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, health care reform. I write for healthinsurance.org, medicareresources.org, Verywell.com, and healthinsurancecolorado.net. She/Her
Pinned
Louise Norris
@louisenorris.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Get affordable health insurance & expert insights | healthinsurance.org
It's Open Enrollment! Explore affordable health insurance options, get quotes for individual & family ACA Marketplace plans, calculate your subsidy, and learn about trends affecting coverage.
healthinsurance.org
Good morning, Bluesky folks! A big welcome to all my new followers, & a reintroduction:
I'm a health policy analyst, writing mostly at healthinsurance.org & medicareresources.org. I've been a licensed insurance broker since 2003, writing full-time about health insurance & health policy since 2008.
I'm a health policy analyst, writing mostly at healthinsurance.org & medicareresources.org. I've been a licensed insurance broker since 2003, writing full-time about health insurance & health policy since 2008.
Reposted by Louise Norris
📣 Programming Note: I recently joined @anamariecox.bsky.social & @mike-eagle.bsky.social on @pastduepodcast.com for an hour to discuss how to navigate the crazy 2026 #ACA Open Enrollment Period. Tune in!
www.patreon.com/posts/what-d...
www.patreon.com/posts/what-d...
What Do We Need to Know About the ACA? with Charles Gaba | Past Due with AMC and OME
Get more from Past Due with AMC and OME on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
📣 Programming Note: I recently joined @anamariecox.bsky.social & @mike-eagle.bsky.social on @pastduepodcast.com for an hour to discuss how to navigate the crazy 2026 #ACA Open Enrollment Period. Tune in!
www.patreon.com/posts/what-d...
www.patreon.com/posts/what-d...
Reposted by Louise Norris
The benefits created by the ACA go well beyond subsidized plans in the individual market and Medicaid expansion.
@louisenorris.bsky.social has a list of 50 distinct populations that benefit from ACA provisions. This is real! Check it out.
@louisenorris.bsky.social has a list of 50 distinct populations that benefit from ACA provisions. This is real! Check it out.
50 populations whose lives are better thanks to the ACA
Millions of Americans would have worse health insurance – or none at all – without Obamacare's provisions. But the law's protections extend beyond insurance benefits.
www.healthinsurance.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The benefits created by the ACA go well beyond subsidized plans in the individual market and Medicaid expansion.
@louisenorris.bsky.social has a list of 50 distinct populations that benefit from ACA provisions. This is real! Check it out.
@louisenorris.bsky.social has a list of 50 distinct populations that benefit from ACA provisions. This is real! Check it out.
Reposted by Louise Norris
Because Congress has failed to make health insurance plans more affordable, people across America will face huge premium increases next year.
Learn more from @louisenorris.bsky.social at @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGuy...
Learn more from @louisenorris.bsky.social at @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGuy...
Is Your Health Plan About To Get Way More Expensive?
Because Congress has failed to make health insurance plans more affordable, people across America will face huge premium increases next year. Learn more from Louise Norris at @HealthinsuranceOrg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGuyZKaBMBs #healthinsurance #healthcare #AffordableCareAct
youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Because Congress has failed to make health insurance plans more affordable, people across America will face huge premium increases next year.
Learn more from @louisenorris.bsky.social at @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGuy...
Learn more from @louisenorris.bsky.social at @healthinsuranceorg.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGuy...
Reposted by Louise Norris
While Medicaid is by far the biggest player for children's coverage, the Marketplace has become increasingly important.
New brief from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social finds that 453,000 children will become uninsured if subsidies expire.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/11/14/n...
New brief from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social finds that 453,000 children will become uninsured if subsidies expire.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/11/14/n...
New Data Highlight Risks to Children and Parents if Enhanced Marketplace Subsidies Expire
Marketplace subsidy enhancements which have been in place since 2021 are set to expire at the end of December 2025, and their fate is currently uncertain. Since 2014, when Affordable Care Act (ACA)…
ccf.georgetown.edu
November 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
While Medicaid is by far the biggest player for children's coverage, the Marketplace has become increasingly important.
New brief from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social finds that 453,000 children will become uninsured if subsidies expire.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/11/14/n...
New brief from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social finds that 453,000 children will become uninsured if subsidies expire.
ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/11/14/n...
Reposted by Louise Norris
Leaving aside the issue that people buying insurance would buy it from insurance companies. This sounds like an effort to let people bypass the ACA. Healthy people could buy cheaper insurance that doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, sending the ACA into a premium death spiral.
November 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Leaving aside the issue that people buying insurance would buy it from insurance companies. This sounds like an effort to let people bypass the ACA. Healthy people could buy cheaper insurance that doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, sending the ACA into a premium death spiral.
Reposted by Louise Norris
There's a lot to say about this, but I think most people understand at a gut level that insurance companies don't have much incentive to negotiate with an individual person. No individual will drive an insurer's margin, unless it's by being catastrophically expensive. Who even wants this?
November 18, 2025 at 3:32 PM
There's a lot to say about this, but I think most people understand at a gut level that insurance companies don't have much incentive to negotiate with an individual person. No individual will drive an insurer's margin, unless it's by being catastrophically expensive. Who even wants this?
"people will be allowed to negotiate" - yes, because the average consumer has so much negotiating power with insurance companies.🤦♀️
The current system ensures that each enrollee's net premium is a specific percentage of their income. Would the new "direct to consumer" payments be scaled like that?
The current system ensures that each enrollee's net premium is a specific percentage of their income. Would the new "direct to consumer" payments be scaled like that?
So the plan is to give the subsidy 💸 directly to Americans so we can individually go sign up for insurance.
Same system but just “make it harder for people to navigate”?
And it still won’t fix the problem of affordability or protect against junk plans that don’t cover anything.
#UniversalCareNOW
Same system but just “make it harder for people to navigate”?
And it still won’t fix the problem of affordability or protect against junk plans that don’t cover anything.
#UniversalCareNOW
November 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
"people will be allowed to negotiate" - yes, because the average consumer has so much negotiating power with insurance companies.🤦♀️
The current system ensures that each enrollee's net premium is a specific percentage of their income. Would the new "direct to consumer" payments be scaled like that?
The current system ensures that each enrollee's net premium is a specific percentage of their income. Would the new "direct to consumer" payments be scaled like that?
Reposted by Louise Norris
@louisenorris.bsky.social, health insurance analyst at healthinsurance.org, spoke with Kim Brunhuber, @cnn.com, regarding the impact of subsidy enhancements, and how significantly individuals’ monthly premiums will increase if subsidy enhancements are not extended into 2026. x.com/kimbrunhuber...
Kim Brunhuber on X: "Unless Congress acts, healthcare subsidies will expire and average insurance costs could more than double, and "several million people will likely just drop their coverage" says Louise Norris with @hio_org https://t.co/mfG6aBWUCl" / X
Unless Congress acts, healthcare subsidies will expire and average insurance costs could more than double, and "several million people will likely just drop their coverage" says Louise Norris with @hio_org https://t.co/mfG6aBWUCl
x.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:50 PM
@louisenorris.bsky.social, health insurance analyst at healthinsurance.org, spoke with Kim Brunhuber, @cnn.com, regarding the impact of subsidy enhancements, and how significantly individuals’ monthly premiums will increase if subsidy enhancements are not extended into 2026. x.com/kimbrunhuber...
Reposted by Louise Norris
Patients around the country, misunderstanding the Trump admin's IVF announcement and thinking it will soon become free, are considering delaying their fertility treatments
Doctors and patient advocates are begging them not to, warning of high risks and low rewards. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Doctors and patient advocates are begging them not to, warning of high risks and low rewards. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Trump’s IVF news sparks a wave of misinformation
www.politico.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Patients around the country, misunderstanding the Trump admin's IVF announcement and thinking it will soon become free, are considering delaying their fertility treatments
Doctors and patient advocates are begging them not to, warning of high risks and low rewards. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Doctors and patient advocates are begging them not to, warning of high risks and low rewards. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
If you're 60, live in Crested Butte, CO, and earn $63k, you can get a Bronze plan in the Colorado Marketplace for as little as $36/month this year.
Next year, if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements, the lowest-cost plan will be $1,282/month www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Next year, if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements, the lowest-cost plan will be $1,282/month www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Colorado ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
Explore the ACA health insurance Marketplace in Colorado for 2026 coverage. Discover available plans, eligibility requirements, enrollment dates, and how to apply for coverage.
www.healthinsurance.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:17 AM
If you're 60, live in Crested Butte, CO, and earn $63k, you can get a Bronze plan in the Colorado Marketplace for as little as $36/month this year.
Next year, if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements, the lowest-cost plan will be $1,282/month www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Next year, if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements, the lowest-cost plan will be $1,282/month www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Reposted by Louise Norris
Here is my latest for @msnbc.com, on Trump's ill-advised concept of a plan for health care, which entails repealing the ACA, and redistributing private insurers' tax breaks to the people for what would essentially amount to an HSA, which is unhelpful if not wealthy. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Trump’s new plan for Obamacare leaves Americans to fend for themselves
We finally know what “concepts of a plan” looks like – and it’s not good.
www.msnbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Here is my latest for @msnbc.com, on Trump's ill-advised concept of a plan for health care, which entails repealing the ACA, and redistributing private insurers' tax breaks to the people for what would essentially amount to an HSA, which is unhelpful if not wealthy. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Reposted by Louise Norris
Tell me you don’t understand risk pools without telling me you don’t understand risk pools
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Tell me you don’t understand risk pools without telling me you don’t understand risk pools
Reposted by Louise Norris
For those wondering why I posted a thread about this last night, this is why.
There's a LOT of people who seem to think that either a) the entire ACA is ending or b) ALL of the ACA tax credits are expiring. NEITHER IS THE CASE.
There's a LOT of people who seem to think that either a) the entire ACA is ending or b) ALL of the ACA tax credits are expiring. NEITHER IS THE CASE.
Do all ACA subsidies expire or only the enhanced subsidies passed post-COVID expire on 12/31/25? Asking for my adult kids, who both get insurance from ACA.
November 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
For those wondering why I posted a thread about this last night, this is why.
There's a LOT of people who seem to think that either a) the entire ACA is ending or b) ALL of the ACA tax credits are expiring. NEITHER IS THE CASE.
There's a LOT of people who seem to think that either a) the entire ACA is ending or b) ALL of the ACA tax credits are expiring. NEITHER IS THE CASE.
Reposted by Louise Norris
Oh dear god.
THAT’S what he’s pushing?
HSAs are a good thing; we use one ourselves.
However, they’re only useful if you have a few thousand dollars you can set aside to put into the account and leave it there. You can’t use it for anything else and there’s a stiff penalty for withdrawing it.
THAT’S what he’s pushing?
HSAs are a good thing; we use one ourselves.
However, they’re only useful if you have a few thousand dollars you can set aside to put into the account and leave it there. You can’t use it for anything else and there’s a stiff penalty for withdrawing it.
Lindsey #Graham of South Carolina, Rick #Scott of Florida and Bill #Cassidy of Louisiana welcomed a proposal made on social media early Saturday by Donald #Trump, from his golf course in West Palm Beach, for subsidies to be replaced by health savings accounts
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Senate Republicans embrace Trump’s call – from his Florida golf course – to replace Obamacare
Amid a historic government shutdown, some senators on Capitol Hill are working this weekend on an unpopular bill
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Oh dear god.
THAT’S what he’s pushing?
HSAs are a good thing; we use one ourselves.
However, they’re only useful if you have a few thousand dollars you can set aside to put into the account and leave it there. You can’t use it for anything else and there’s a stiff penalty for withdrawing it.
THAT’S what he’s pushing?
HSAs are a good thing; we use one ourselves.
However, they’re only useful if you have a few thousand dollars you can set aside to put into the account and leave it there. You can’t use it for anything else and there’s a stiff penalty for withdrawing it.
The future of Marketplace subsidy enhancements is still up in the air. But if the #subsidycliff is allowed to come back, avoiding it will mean the difference between affordable and unaffordable coverage. Here's how HSA (and IRA) contributions can help: www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/how-mig...
How might my tax deductions affect the size of my ACA premium subsidy?
Learn how your tax-deductible contributions — such as an IRA, HSA, or self-employed health insurance deduction — might lower your MAGI and boost your Affordable Care Act premium tax credit on the Mark...
www.healthinsurance.org
November 7, 2025 at 11:40 PM
The future of Marketplace subsidy enhancements is still up in the air. But if the #subsidycliff is allowed to come back, avoiding it will mean the difference between affordable and unaffordable coverage. Here's how HSA (and IRA) contributions can help: www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/how-mig...
Continuing my quest to highlight how essential it is for Congress to extend the Marketplace subsidy enhancements: Without an extension, a 60-year-old in Portland, Maine, earning $63k, will go from paying $283/month for the cheapest plan, to $1,059/month: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Maine ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
Explore the ACA health insurance Marketplace in Maine for 2026 coverage. Discover available plans, eligibility requirements, enrollment dates, and how to apply for coverage.
www.healthinsurance.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Continuing my quest to highlight how essential it is for Congress to extend the Marketplace subsidy enhancements: Without an extension, a 60-year-old in Portland, Maine, earning $63k, will go from paying $283/month for the cheapest plan, to $1,059/month: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Reposted by Louise Norris
@louisenorris.bsky.social, health insurance analyst at healthinsurance.org, provides insights into how individuals should approach open enrollment this year with the uncertainty of subsidy enhancements.
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health care marketplaces began Nov. 1, and some insurance premiums have skyrocketed due to congressionally approved enhanced premium tax credits expiring. https://to.pbs.org/47K6lHG
4 tips for navigating higher ACA health care premiums
As Americans shop for health insurance after the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, experts advise people to not panic, stay vigilant and budget more for health care next year,
www.pbs.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:33 PM
@louisenorris.bsky.social, health insurance analyst at healthinsurance.org, provides insights into how individuals should approach open enrollment this year with the uncertainty of subsidy enhancements.
Here's a good overview, from @xpostfactoid.bsky.social explaining all the different average premium increase percentages that are being thrown around for 2026: xpostfactoid.substack.com/p/trumps-cms...
Trump's CMS's battle cry: Let em eat bronze!
Bronze plans, garnished with HSAs
xpostfactoid.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Here's a good overview, from @xpostfactoid.bsky.social explaining all the different average premium increase percentages that are being thrown around for 2026: xpostfactoid.substack.com/p/trumps-cms...
KFF most certainly did not retract that projection (114% increase in average net premiums). The only way that changes is if Congress extends the subsidy enhancements.
FWIW, take a look at the numbers in WV for applicants just a little above 400% of FPL: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
FWIW, take a look at the numbers in WV for applicants just a little above 400% of FPL: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
October 29, 2025 at 6:43 PM
KFF most certainly did not retract that projection (114% increase in average net premiums). The only way that changes is if Congress extends the subsidy enhancements.
FWIW, take a look at the numbers in WV for applicants just a little above 400% of FPL: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
FWIW, take a look at the numbers in WV for applicants just a little above 400% of FPL: www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
A 63-year-old couple in Barboursville, WV, earning $85k, will pay 43% of their income for the CHEAPEST Marketplace plan in 2026 if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements. The lowest-cost Silver plan premiums will eat up 74% of their income. www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
West Virginia ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
Explore the ACA health insurance Marketplace in West Virginia for 2026 coverage. Discover available plans, eligibility requirements, enrollment dates, and how to apply for coverage.
www.healthinsurance.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:53 PM
A 63-year-old couple in Barboursville, WV, earning $85k, will pay 43% of their income for the CHEAPEST Marketplace plan in 2026 if Congress doesn't extend the subsidy enhancements. The lowest-cost Silver plan premiums will eat up 74% of their income. www.healthinsurance.org/aca-marketpl...
Reposted by Louise Norris
Lots of changes to be aware of for 2026 if you buy your own health insurance. Here's my summary ⬇️
Higher premiums and the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies top the list of 10 major changes that will affect Marketplace open enrollment for 2026 health insurance. | @louisenorris.bsky.social breaks it all down in this open enrollment preview.
2026 ACA open enrollment period preview
Higher premiums and the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies top the list of 10 major changes that will affect Marketplace open enrollment for 2026 health insurance.
www.healthinsurance.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Lots of changes to be aware of for 2026 if you buy your own health insurance. Here's my summary ⬇️
Reposted by Louise Norris
This is interesting --- for the 2055 counties that used Healthcare.gov in 2025 AND 2026
Fewer counties are offering #Catastrophic Plans in 2026
CMS is making a big push for more people to buy Catastrophic
Only affordable if enhanced subsidies not extended.
@colemandrake.bsky.social
1/N
Fewer counties are offering #Catastrophic Plans in 2026
CMS is making a big push for more people to buy Catastrophic
Only affordable if enhanced subsidies not extended.
@colemandrake.bsky.social
1/N
October 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
This is interesting --- for the 2055 counties that used Healthcare.gov in 2025 AND 2026
Fewer counties are offering #Catastrophic Plans in 2026
CMS is making a big push for more people to buy Catastrophic
Only affordable if enhanced subsidies not extended.
@colemandrake.bsky.social
1/N
Fewer counties are offering #Catastrophic Plans in 2026
CMS is making a big push for more people to buy Catastrophic
Only affordable if enhanced subsidies not extended.
@colemandrake.bsky.social
1/N
Lots of changes to be aware of for 2026 if you buy your own health insurance. Here's my summary ⬇️
Higher premiums and the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies top the list of 10 major changes that will affect Marketplace open enrollment for 2026 health insurance. | @louisenorris.bsky.social breaks it all down in this open enrollment preview.
2026 ACA open enrollment period preview
Higher premiums and the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies top the list of 10 major changes that will affect Marketplace open enrollment for 2026 health insurance.
www.healthinsurance.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Lots of changes to be aware of for 2026 if you buy your own health insurance. Here's my summary ⬇️
My look at how premiums will jump next year for a 55-year-old earning a little above 400% FPL, in the ten states projected to have the highest overall premiums: www.healthinsurance.org/blog/how-sun... (Thanks to @charlesgaba.com for his extensive work projecting overall average premiums nationwide)
How sunsetting ARP's subsidy enhancements would affect ACA subsidy amounts
What will happen to Marketplace health insurance subsidy availability and size when the subsidy enhancements instituted under the American Rescue Plan sunset after 2025?
www.healthinsurance.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:21 PM
My look at how premiums will jump next year for a 55-year-old earning a little above 400% FPL, in the ten states projected to have the highest overall premiums: www.healthinsurance.org/blog/how-sun... (Thanks to @charlesgaba.com for his extensive work projecting overall average premiums nationwide)
"If you are spreading doubts and fears about vaccines and about mRNA research, you are killing people who could benefit." www.science.org/content/blog...
mRNA Vaccines and Immuno-oncology: Good News
www.science.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
"If you are spreading doubts and fears about vaccines and about mRNA research, you are killing people who could benefit." www.science.org/content/blog...