State Update
The essential health benefits (EHB) provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all health plans in the individual and small-group market (inside and outside state insurance exchanges) to offer patients a minimum standard of benefits beginning in 2014. Each state has been tasked with defining an EHB package that covers 10 broad categories defined by the federal government through selection of a "benchmark" health plan from among several plans already available in the state. ACS CAN believes the EHB is one of the most critical insurance reforms in the Affordable Care Act and, in partnership with state government relations staff, have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure EHB packages include benefits considered vital to treating, preventing, and detecting cancer and other chronic diseases.
To date, just two states -- California and Washington -- have selected benchmark plans, but the September 30 deadline for states to select a plan, or default to the largest small-group plan in their state, is fast approaching. The pace of activity is picking up quickly and opportunities to speak out are increasing. ACS CAN has been assisting state government relations staff in preparing written testimony and oral remarks that raise concerns about the lack of specifics on what benefits are offered in many of the plans states are considering. ACS CAN is working to ensure that "medical necessity" is defined in a way that prohibits insurers from circumventing the EHB, gives patients and doctors the freedom to determine the best course of treatment and does not limit what cancer drugs doctors may prescribe.
So far, ACS CAN has worked with staff in Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island to prepare remarks. Contact David Woodmansee, associate director, State and Local Campaigns and/or Affordable Care Act implementation specialist Dana Dzwonkowski for further assistance with testimony or other issues related to state benchmark health plan selection.
HHS to Hold More Stakeholder Meetings
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been holding regional meetings this month to discuss implementation of the health insurance exchanges with various stakeholders such as ACS CAN. This week, HHS invited stakeholders to take part in one of 10 regional teleconferences which will be held in September for further updates on the exchanges and to discuss strategies for informing the uninsured, under-insured, and small business about expanded insurance coverage options. Registration is required. Click here for the call schedule and to register.
Medicaid Expansion
ACS CAN supports Medicaid expansion as a way to increase access to lifesaving cancer prevention and early detection measures, treatment, and follow up care. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a new "infographic" by the Kaiser Family Foundation on Medicaid's current role and its role in the ACA you may find helpful in making the case for expansion.
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.