April 2016
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Issues Notice of Benefit Payment Parameters for the 2017 Healthcare Marketplace
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has released a rule detailing minimum requirements for health insurance plans sold in the marketplace and dates for open enrollment periods from 2017 onward. This rule encourages insurers to offer standardized plans covering more health services before a plan's deductible is met. This would make general health services more affordable and easier to obtain within the marketplace. Additionally, CMS has mandated that from 2017 and onward, plans will be labeled as “basic”, “standard”, or “broad” so that consumers are better aware of the full range of services that will be available to them.
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has released a rule detailing minimum requirements for health insurance plans sold in the marketplace and dates for open enrollment periods from 2017 onward. This rule encourages insurers to offer standardized plans covering more health services before a plan's deductible is met. This would make general health services more affordable and easier to obtain within the marketplace. Additionally, CMS has mandated that from 2017 and onward, plans will be labeled as “basic”, “standard”, or “broad” so that consumers are better aware of the full range of services that will be available to them.
“A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America” Threatens Healthcare Access for Americans
In March, the House Budget Committee released the Republican budget, “A Balanced Budget for Stronger America”. This budget proposes cuts to federal Medicare spending, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and an end to current Medicaid expansion. If passed, this budget would shut down the healthcare marketplace and end financial assistance for qualifying Americans who currently purchase insurance through the Marketplace. It also would essentially lift the protections currently in place which assure that insurance companies cannot deny or change coverage based on pre-existing conditions. These budget features will lead to 10 million additional people losing coverage, placing additional strain on states who would need to readjust their budgets in order to continue covering people via Medicaid.
In March, the House Budget Committee released the Republican budget, “A Balanced Budget for Stronger America”. This budget proposes cuts to federal Medicare spending, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and an end to current Medicaid expansion. If passed, this budget would shut down the healthcare marketplace and end financial assistance for qualifying Americans who currently purchase insurance through the Marketplace. It also would essentially lift the protections currently in place which assure that insurance companies cannot deny or change coverage based on pre-existing conditions. These budget features will lead to 10 million additional people losing coverage, placing additional strain on states who would need to readjust their budgets in order to continue covering people via Medicaid.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA) Passes in the Senate
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), a bill that aims to fortify the public health response to prescription and opioid abuse, passed the Senate this March. The bill aims to establish a new $5 million grant program to fortify both past and current Drug-Free Community grantees with the goal of minimizing prescription drug abuse. CARA will launch a number of new prevention programs and increase support for pre-existing programs while also supporting treatment plans for incarcerated individuals who suffer from addiction. In addition to these prevention and treatment programs, CARA will strengthen existing prescription drug monitoring programs and expand the availability of life-saving Naloxone to first responders.
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), a bill that aims to fortify the public health response to prescription and opioid abuse, passed the Senate this March. The bill aims to establish a new $5 million grant program to fortify both past and current Drug-Free Community grantees with the goal of minimizing prescription drug abuse. CARA will launch a number of new prevention programs and increase support for pre-existing programs while also supporting treatment plans for incarcerated individuals who suffer from addiction. In addition to these prevention and treatment programs, CARA will strengthen existing prescription drug monitoring programs and expand the availability of life-saving Naloxone to first responders.