Over the year, Congress has repeatedly attempted to “fix” healthcare by altering the funding streams between states and the federal government, as well as to commercial insurers. All of this might lead one to think that Congress is focused on the most important problems facing healthcare.

Since 2014 the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, has assisted lower- and moderate-income people who buy insurance on their own on the individual market, providing premium subsidies and discounts on out-of-pocket expenses. Under the law, people who don’t carry compliant insurance face a penalty, the so-called individual mandate. Large employers who don’t offer insurance are also penalized.

Today, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) officials announce completion of an agreement with Cigna Health Insurance for VUMC’s full participation in Cigna Connect, an Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant exchange-based individual insurance plan option.

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), the needs of the patient come first — and that includes you and your family, as about 6 percent of our patients are also our employees.

Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity for Vanderbilt employees to update or choose the benefit options that best meet your and your family’s needs. Mark your calendars for Oct. 14-30 so you’re ready to enroll for 2016 Open Enrollment.

Vanderbilt health policy expert John Graves co-authored a report that shows as many as a quarter of people eligible for subsidized health insurance under the Affordable Care Act may be shut out because they don’t have a bank account.

As advocates and politicians debate gun control issues, economists say gun injuries and deaths have cost billions in court proceedings, insurance costs and hospitalizations. Manish Sethi, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, has studied healthcare costs associated with gun violence and is quoted.