HRA Proposed Regulations: State Implications and Responses
On Wednesday, November 28, State Health and Value Strategies hosted a webinar for state officials with technical experts to discuss the implications of the proposed health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) rule and possible state responses. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury recently released proposed regulations easing the rules governing HRA and other account-based, tax-preferred health care benefits. The webinar featured Jason Levitis, who led ACA implementation at the U.S. Treasury Department, as well as experts from Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms and from Manatt Health.
Messaging to Help Consumers Navigate Skinny Health Plans: A Toolkit for Marketplace Communicators
Recent federal rules on Short-Term Limited-Duration Insurance and Association Health Plans mean that some insurers may now offer products that don’t adhere to previous Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
As “skinny” plans are increasingly marketed and sold across the country, it’s important for Marketplaces and Departments of Insurance to provide consumers with the information they need to make good decisions when buying health insurance. This toolkit contains a variety of communications resources designed to support Marketplaces, state agencies and other partners in these public education efforts.
Medicaid Buy-In: State Options, Design Considerations and Section 1332 Waiver Implications
States continue to identify and pursue strategies to further reduce the number of uninsured, to make coverage more affordable for consumers and to improve access to care. Several proposals have been introduced at both the federal and state levels that would permit people above Medicaid eligibility levels to “buy in” to Medicaid or would leverage the Medicaid program to strengthen coverage across the individual market and Medicaid. This issue brief presents two possible models for a Medicaid buy-in program for states, and details the design considerations and authorities needed to implement each model.
Analysis of the 2019 Affordable Care Act Payment Notice: Implications for States
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released on April 9, 2018 its annual Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, a collection of policies governing the ACA’s marketplaces, insurance reforms, and premium stabilization programs. The first such annual notice issued under the Trump Administration, it contains a number of provisions that require state officials to make important decisions on short notice that will affect plan benefits, premiums, and marketplace operations. State Health and Value Strategies hosted a webinar, together with experts Sabrina Corlette and Justin Giovannelli from Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms, Joel Ario from Manatt Health and Jason Levitis, to help participants untangle the rule and its many implications for states.
Analysis of the Trump Administration’s Proposed Short-Term Health Plan Rule: Implications for States
The Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor released a proposed rule to implement the President’s October 12, 2017 executive order calling for expanded availability of short-term limited duration health plans that do not have to comply with Affordable Care Act standards. The proposed rule would relax current federal rules by allowing short-term plans to be sold for a duration of up to 12 months. It also modifies required consumer disclosures about these products.
Impact of Executive Order and Non-payment of CSRs on State Insurance Markets
State Health and Value Strategies hosted a webinar for states on the Executive Order affecting state insurance markets and the implications for states of discontinuation of CSR payments. The webinar featured insurance market experts from Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms and Manatt Health who discussed the elements of the Executive Order, what states can expect in the coming weeks, and the policy decisions states can consider.
Proposals to Renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program: An Update on Developments
Following the expiration of funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), both the House and the Senate have turned their attention to the program’s renewal. As states know well, the program was provided with funding through fiscal year 2017, which ended on September 30th, creating pressure for Congress to act quickly before states begin to run out of CHIP dollars in the coming weeks and months. Both the Senate and the House recently have taken up legislation to provide funding for an additional five years and make a number of other modifications to the bill.
Future of the Children’s Health Insurance Program: Considerations for States
Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is set to expire on September 30th, raising multiple issues for states. State Health and Value Strategies, in partnership with technical experts from Manatt Health, hosted a webinar to discuss key considerations for states as Congress debates CHIP reauthorization. Topics included the funding level and duration of the extension, maintenance of the 23 point FMAP bump, maintenance of effort requirements, and operational implications of reauthorization timing.
1332 Waivers: The Current State of Play
Continued uncertainty surrounding federal legislative action affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have led many states to reconsider the option of Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers. These waivers allow states broad flexibility to redesign the coverage provisions of the ACA according to certain statutory guidelines. Given the renewed interest in 1332 waivers, the State Network hosted a webinar for state officials featuring the experts at Manatt Health.
Impacts of ACA repeal on American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
American Indians and Alaska Natives could face a disproportionate impact in the event of ACA repeal. This report, authored by Dr. Donald Warne at North Dakota State University, in partnership with the National Indian Health Board, highlights the specific effects of ACA repeal.