This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
ACR applauds senators for bipartisan ACA stabilization deal
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
The American College of Rheumatology released a statement applauding Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) for reaching a bipartisan compromise on legislation to help stabilize the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace.
In the statement, ACR Government Affairs Chair Angus Worthing, MD, FACP, FACR, noted the rheumatology community supports the authorization of cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers for another 2 years, which is a key provision of the agreement.
“These payments help offset deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for low-income consumers and are critical to helping millions of Americans afford insurance coverage under the law,” Worthing said.
He added that the agreement would not allow insurers to discriminate against pre-existing conditions, and would leave the essential benefits that insurers are required to offer individuals and small businesses under the ACA intact.
“The ACR is currently assessing how provisions surrounding state flexibility would impact insurance coverage and affordability options for American living with chronic illnesses,” Worthing said. “We will continue to advise Senate leaders of our health care reform principles and advocate for provisions that protect our patients’ access to care.”
Reference: