Vitter, Cassidy: Administration Needs to Treat Charitable Non-Profits Equally Under Obamacare
Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. |
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"Obamacare is hurting all Louisianians, but preventing charities from helping offset these rising costs directly targets our lowest income, most vulnerable patient populations," Vitter said. "The Obama administration is trying to walk back its stance, but in reality this doesn't change anything. It's just another political stunt."
"By not allowing third-party payments, the government is interfering with America's rich tradition of allowing charitable organizations to care for those who are less fortunate. Outside help, when available, should be welcomed," Cassidy said. "A side-effect of Obamacare, many vulnerable Louisianans are worried about how they are going to pay for healthcare.
Vitter and Cassidy sent an initial letter to Tavenner on
The text of their follow up letter is below.
Honorable
Administrator
Attention: CMS-9943-IFC
P.O. Box 8016
Dear Administrator Tavenner:
We are disappointed in the
Although the rule provides explicit clarification of the acceptability of premium and cost-sharing payments made on behalf of enrollees by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, other Federal and State government programs that provide premium and cost sharing support for specific individuals, and Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, it does not speak at all to the issue of non-profit patient assistance programs.
This has caused the same amount of uncertainty as the administration's interim rule which states, "our new standard does not prevent qualified health plans (QHPs) and stand-alone dental plans (SADPs) from having contractual prohibitions on accepting payments and cost sharing from third party payers other than those specified in this interim final regulation." As a result, Obamacare plans are continuing to interpret this as permission to prohibit acceptance of third party private charity payments, and therefore leaving the most vulnerable populations at risk of losing access to care.
The fact that the
As the Administrator of CMS you have seen the benefit of empowering non-profit charity organizations to offer assistance to patients in need of health services in the
Sincerely,
Read this original document at: http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-cassidy-administration-needs-to-treat-charitable-non-profits-equally-under-obamacare
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