What We're Reading: Backing Bipartisan Efforts; California's State of Emergency; HSAs

Bipartisan Efforts to Continue Insurance Payments

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the White House would cease paying cost-sharing subsidies to insurers as part of the Affordable Care Act, and a bipartisan group of senators are looking to take up the cause. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, urged the president to back the bipartisan effort in the Senate, reported STAT. The payments to the insurers would prevent premiums from rising. The payments to insurers stop this week, and open enrollment begins on November 1. Trump has signaled he is open to a deal to reinstate the payments.

California Declares State of Emergency Over Hepatitis Outbreak

With more than 18 people dead from a hepatitis A outbreak, California has declared a state of emergency. According to the Los Angeles Times, the declaration means health officials can buy additional doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. The outbreak began in San Diego, but has since spread to Los Angeles and Santa Cruz counties. A total of 581 people have been infected, with more than half ending up in the hospital.

A Deeper Dive on Health Savings Accounts

With open enrollment about to begin for benefits, The New York Times took a closer look at health savings accounts (HSAs) to weigh the pros and cons. HSAs are becoming more common and not only do they offer tax benefits, but they move with workers if they change jobs. However, HSAs are usually paired with high-deductible plans, because the HSA is meant to help cover the larger out-of-pocket costs workers will face.