Health Care Reform Update - Week of July 1, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013

Leading the News

SCOTUS Historic DOMA Ruling Health Insurance Implications

On June 26th, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion addressing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that the legislation inappropriately raises insurance costs for same-sex couples. The court struck down DOMA by a 5-4 vote. Just two days later, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management indicated it will allow same-sex spouses of federal employees to begin applying for health insurance benefits.

CMS Releases Final Minimum Essential Coverage Rule

On June 26th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule on exemption eligibility and miscellaneous minimum essential coverage provisions within the ACA exchanges. The rule notes that individuals who live in states where Medicaid coverage is not expanded will not need to pay a penalty if they fail to obtain insurance coverage.

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

On June 25th, the Brookings Institution hosted a briefing on insurance marketplaces in the ACA. Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) Director Gary Cohen said the wide range of proposed insurance rates on the exchanges is not surprising and indicated federal exchange rates will be available in September.

On June 27th, Gallup released a poll indicating 47% of Americans think the ACA will make the U.S. health care situation worse, while 34% responded the law will improve health care.

On June 27th, 28 Senate Republicans sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius asking her to immediately cease raising funds for the Enroll America program that is designed to help people understand the ACA insurance exchanges.

On June 28th, HHS released a final rule on the requirement of employers to provide birth control drugs and contraceptives through insurance plans under the ACA.

On June 28th, House Ways and Means Committee Republicans sent a letter HHS Secretary Sebelius with concerns that the ACA data hub will not be operational by October 1st.

On June 28th, Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a bill to repeal the 30-hour definition of full-time employment (FTE) established under the ACA, setting 40 hours as the standard for FTE.

On June 28th, Gallup released a poll indicating that 43% of uninsured Americans are aware of the ACA’s individual mandate.

On June 28th, the four Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius with questions on Essential Community Providers (ECP) established by the ACA.

Other HHS and Federal Regulatory Initiatives

On June 24th, the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reported on over $26 million in improper payments to individuals who lack prescribing authority, such as massage therapists, athletic trainers, interpreters, and transportation contractors.

On June 24th, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving the 35-feet protest buffer zone outside abortion clinics in Massachusetts.

On June 25th, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) approved changes to a policy regarding deceased donor kidney allocation that the organization says will improve outcomes for transplant recipients.

On June 25th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will begin to regulate tobacco products and determine if a product is ineligible to be sold based on extreme health risks.

On June 27th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an interim final rule to establish stricter guidelines for food and drink items sold within American schools.

On June 27th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new funding opportunity for states to develop independent ombudsman programs that are meant to improve care coordination for Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible beneficiaries.

On June 28th, CMS issued a proposed rule that would cut 2014 home health payments by 1.5% from 2013 levels.

On June 30th, the Pennsylvania state Senate approved Medicaid expansion by a 40-10 vote. Expansion is expected to meet intense opposition in the state House.

Other Congressional and State Initiatives

On June 24th, Senate and House Democrats wrote to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to urge the agency to allow manufacturers of generic drugs to update patient safety labels in appropriate circumstances.

On June 26th, Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA) and Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced legislation that would allow international doctors to remain in the United States past their visa expiration if they agree to practice in underserved areas currently in need of more doctors.

On June 26th, Representatives Greg Walden (R-OR) and Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) introduced a bill to allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other caregivers to order home care for Medicare beneficiaries.

On June 26th, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report on the rising demand for long-term services and supports (LTSS) as the number of elderly people continues to rise.

On June 28th, the House Energy and Commerce Committee majority released draft legislation on reform of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Medicare physician payment system.

Other Health Care News

On June 25th, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a survey of American youth that indicates many young people in the country struggle to eat nutritiously and exercise regularly.

On June 25th, the American Public Health Association (APHA) issued a release indicating support for President Obama’s plans to address climate change and protect public health.

On June 26th, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) that explores ways to contain health care costs.

On June 27th, American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) released an infographic on the growing enrollment in Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible health plans.

On June 27th, CVS Caremark released a report that suggests the U.S. health care system could save hundreds of millions of dollars if people took their prescription medications as directed.

Hearings and Mark-Ups Scheduled

The Senate and House of Representatives are scheduled to be in recess until the week of July 8th.

 

David Shirbroun also contributed to this article.

 

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