House GOP To Allow Vote On Exchanges But By Amending Major Reform Bill
Two major decisions from GOP leaders in the House today. First, it will allow a vote on an Obamacare extension to appease several dozen vulnerable Republicans in swing districts. Second, but this will come via an amendment on a broad reform bill from Republicans focused on more conservative reforms.
The main bill will feature the following reforms. Exchange cost-sharing subsidies would be funded to lower Silver premiums. This has positive and negative effects depending on subsidy status and income. Greater self-insurance provisions would be included, along with pressing for cheaper plan designs. Some pharmacy benefits manager reforms would be included.
Even if the amendment passed, the bill would ultimately not pass in all chambers because it would be viewed as a poison pill by Democrats, especially in the Senate.
Democrats are attempting to force a separate vote on a clean three-year extension. Moderates from both parties are looking at passing bills with a shorter extension and some reforms to the credits.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he might be willing to work with Democrats on healthcare reform given affordability issues. Moderate GOPers in each chamber are putting pressure on their leaders to arrive at a real compromise instead of theatrics.
Additional article: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5646341-gop-leaders-obamacare-vote/ and https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5646004-donald-trump-democrats-health-care-aca-subsidies/?tbref=hp and https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5645498-republicans-pressure-health-care-costs/
#exchanges #healthcare #coverage
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5646973-house-gop-health-care-bill-obamacare
ACCESS Model Getting Plaudits From Health Tech
Health tech companies are excited by the announcement of the ACCESS model for traditional Medicare, which is meant to reward providers that improve outcomes for beneficiaries with chronic conditions. This should also lower costs overall. The model is a tech forward initiative emphasizing remote patient monitoring, wearables, coaching, behavioral support, patient education, and medication management.
(Article may require a subscription.)
#medicare #access #providers #tech
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/health-tech/mh-cms-access-model-headspace-cadence
— Marc S. Ryan
