WASHINGTON, D.C.—October 11, 2022—Today the administration released a final rule to fix the so-called ‘family glitch’ in the Affordable Care Act. The change would allow the total premium cost of all family members covered under an employer sponsored insurance plan to be considered when determining if the coverage is affordable rather than restricting the calculation to the cost for the employee only. This change would make coverage on the marketplace more affordable for over 1 million people.
A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“Today’s rule is a victory for cancer patients, survivors and their families who want access to affordable health coverage through the marketplace. By taking into the account the full cost of family coverage in determining what’s affordable for insurance, the new rule finally aligns Congress’ intent to expand access to care through the Affordable Care Act with the availability of subsides to help people with low incomes cover the costs of coverage.
“American Cancer Society research has repeatedly shown the link between insurance status and the ability to detect, treat and survive cancer. Today’s rule provides much-needed financial relief to families who would otherwise be unable to afford coverage and be forced to delay or skip necessary and potentially life-saving cancer screenings and follow-up care.
“On behalf of the more than 1.9 million Americans who will be diagnosed with cancer this year, we welcome this rule change and its potential to improve the lives and health of patients and their loved ones.”