Julie Appleby - KFF Health News

The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.

Federal regulators provided more specifics about why they suspended two private sector sites, including concerns about potential overseas accessing of consumer data and suspicions of involvement in enrollment and switching schemes.

CMS says it has received more than 200,000 complaints in the first six months of the year about people being signed up for Obamacare plans or switched to new plans without their consent.

With tens of thousands of Americans already affected by enrollment scams that leave some without doctors or treatments, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden wants increased enforcement against rogue agents.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in South Florida alleges that large call centers were used to enroll people into Affordable Care Act plans or to switch their coverage, all without their permission.

The first six digits of Social Security numbers are now masked on the ACA federal site and direct enrollment partner platforms. The change comes after a report of enrollee plans being switched without consent.

Drugmakers offer copay assistance programs to patients, but insurers are tapping into those funds, not counting the amounts toward patient deductibles. That leads to unexpected charges. But the practice is under growing scrutiny.

The presidential election is likely to turn on the simple question of whether Americans want Donald Trump back in the White House. But health care tops the list of household financial worries for adults from both parties.

The regulatory proposal was announced Nov. 15 and is likely one of the last major Obamacare policy efforts of the president’s term.

Some hospitals and physician groups are rejecting Medicare Advantage plans over payment rates and coverage restrictions, causing turmoil for patients.