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11-16-12 Affordable Care Act Update

December 3, 2012

Policy Update

Regulations

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to issue several long awaited Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations over the next few days. The regulations will provide important details on how essential benefits, insurance reforms, workplace wellness programs and other areas will work under the new law. ACS CAN is closely watching the regulatory process and we will let you know of any critical developments.

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Some large companies, most recently Applebee's and Papa John's Pizza, have said in news reports that they may be forced to reduce or drop health coverage for their employees because of the ACA.  These claims are misleading in their criticism of the ACA, and draw attention away from other financial factors that employers are considering in making coverage decisions. Attached below are important points to keep in mind when responding to claims that the ACA will reduce employer-sponsored coverage.

ESI changes under ACA Tlkg Pts Nov 12.docx 

State Update

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced yesterday evening that the department will extend the deadline for states to decide whether or not they will run their own health insurance exchange until December 14th. The original deadline for states to inform the department was today (November 16th). Approximately ten states have yet to make a formal decision known to HHS.  Last Friday, HHS also announced that they will give states until February 15th to submit plans to establish a partnership health insurance exchange with the federal agency.

 

As always, thank you for all you do every day to support laws and policies that help cancer patients and their families.

 

Chris Hansen | President

ACS Cancer Action Network | American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.

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