BY: OLIVER SPURGEON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, NACHC FEDERAL AFFAIRS The halls of Capitol Hill are buzzing this week as Congress returns from the two week Easter Recess, President Trump and Congressional Democrats continue negotiations to keep the federal government open beyond Friday, April 28, the Wicker-Stabenow Health Center funding letter closes, and House Republicans consider bringing …
Tag: Affordable Care Act
Uncertainty Remains in the Marketplace
On April 13, 2017 CMS issued its final rule designed to make the ACA Marketplaces more appealing to insurers. Under this final rule, starting for the 2018 plan year: The annual Open Enrollment Period will be shortened from 3 months to 6 weeks States will have full authority to determine if an insurer’s network has …
In Dramatic Fashion, House Leaders Pull ACA Repeal and Replace Bill
What a week it was last week. Even as our staff here at NACHC has been pulling together the finishing touches for the 2017 Policy and Issues Forum (sure to be our best yet, by the way) last week was a roller coaster in terms of the future of major health reform legislation that was …
CMS Issues Proposed Rule on “Market Stabilization” for the ACA Marketplaces
On February 15, 2017, CMS issued its proposed rule on “market stabilization” in the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplaces. This proposed rule is one of the first issued by the Trump Administration. Below you will find a summary of the major provisions of the proposed rule and can read NACHC’s comments on the proposed rule here. We …
First Look: House Releases ACA “Repeal and Replace” Bill
Last night around 6pm, the Congressional effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act entered a new phase, as House Republicans released the draft legislative text of their proposal. The legislation will be considered this week by the two primary committees with jurisdiction over health care – the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and …
As Congress Returns, Leaks, Rumors and Disagreements Dominate the ACA Debate
By Oliver Spurgeon and John Sawyer, NACHC Federal Affairs Team Normally, a Congressional recess, where Members travel home to hold meetings with constituents in their districts, is a relatively quiet time for those of us in Washington. Staffers on the Hill don jeans in lieu of suits, and may pull back to working 8 or …
2013 Medicare Upper Payment Limits Announced
By: Susan Sumrell CMS has released the 2013 Medicare Upper Payment Limits (also known as the “Medicare cap”). For rural centers, the limit will be $110.78 and for urban centers the limit will be $128. This represents a 0.8% increase in the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) over the 2012 limits. This limit is effective January …
CMS Release FAQ on Medicaid/CHIP ACA Implementation
By: Susan Sumrell Earlier this week CMS released a FAQ on Medicaid and CHIP Implementation of the Affordable Care Act, specifically focusing on the benefits and delivery system. This FAQ answers a number of important questions on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) and benchmark plans. NACHC has been following the development of EHBs very closely. We …