Trending News Today: Benchmark ACA Premiums Set to Rise Nearly 40%

Open enrollment for 2018 Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans begins Wednesday, but several issues from previous enrollment periods may hinder sign ups, according to Kaiser Health News. A new rule implemented in June 2017 allows insurers to demand that patients pay owed premiums before re-enrolling. Additionally, if individuals did not include the IRS Form 8962 in their tax filings, they may not be able to receive subsides, which are used to lower out of pocket costs for health plans, according to Kaiser.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a report that projects the average benchmark ACA plan is set to increase 37% in 2018, according to The Hill. However, the report indicates that tax credits are increasing, which may help offset rising costs. The HHS analysis found that after tax credits, nearly 80% of individuals will be able to gain coverage for less than $75 per month, according to the article.

The Investors for Opioid Accountability recently said that manufacturers must do more to reduce the risks associated with opioids, while also protecting shareholders from losses, Bloomberg reported. The group plans to file shareholder proposals regarding the alleged oversight of business risks for 10 opioid manufacturers and distributors, according to the article. This effort is the latest that targets entities who are alleged to have used misleading advertising and vigorous delivery of opioids.