Healey Signs Bill to Address Breast Cancer Screening Inequities
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Allison Miller
Director, Media Advocacy
Washington, D.C.
Letter: Administration Action Should Not Undermine Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Health Coverage
Patients and Consumers Urge Department Secretaries to Address Patient Concerns Before Finalizing Rules
March 20, 2018
WASHINGTON – Twenty organizations representing millions of patients and consumers across the country sent a letter to the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury urging the administration to address patient concerns before finalizing troubling rules that as currently drafted would undermine access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage.
The groups note, “Your Departments have recently proposed a number of policy changes, the cumulative effect we believe will have serious implications for access to affordable health coverage, particularly for individuals with preexisting health conditions.”
The letter cites a recent report by the Urban Institute that concluded the combined impact of policies including the repeal of the individual mandate penalty, the lack of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) funding, and the decreased investment in education and outreach funding will lead to an additional 6.4 million Americans being uninsured in 2019.
The groups also note that while reducing premiums is a shared goal, those with high-cost health care needs like cancer could actually end up paying more out of pocket to access recommended treatment and follow-up care. Furthermore, if bare bones plans are offered to younger, healthier individuals at a lower cost, those who are sick or older could end up footing the bill through higher premiums for needed comprehensive coverage.
The letter goes on to note, “During the legislative debate on repeal and replace legislation last year, policymakers and the Administration repeatedly promised Americans that any changes to current law would not undermine these protections – particularly for individuals with preexisting conditions. We strongly urge you to fulfill that promise by ensuring that any policies implemented by your Departments continue to guarantee that all Americans – particularly those with pre-existing conditions – continue to enjoy the same patient protections that exist under current law.”
To view the full letter, visit: http://bit.ly/2prxIkB
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Alissa Crispino
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Washington, D.C.