ACR submits comments to CMS regarding 2019 benefit and payment parameters proposed rule

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at VerticalNews Health -- ATLANTA - In its response yesterday to the 2019 Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule, which governs the state and federal health exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider proposals that would reduce health exchange insurance coverage, affordability and patient choice.

"The ACR is committed to ensuring that Americans living with rheumatic diseases have access to high-value, high-quality healthcare," said Dr. David Daikh, MD, PhD, President of the ACR. "While we are pleased to see CMS is considering changes that would reduce drug costs and promote pricing transparency, we are deeply concerned about proposed changes that would make it more difficult for our patients to access and afford the care they need."

Rheumatology leaders urged CMS to reconsider several proposals that would reduce insurance coverage, affordability and patient choice under the state health exchanges, including:

"Adequate and affordable health insurance coverage is absolutely critical to managing chronic and complex rheumatic diseases and conditions," said Daikh. "We urge CMS to reconsider proposals that would severely reduce insurance coverage, access and patient choice under the state and federal health exchanges. The ACR will continue to serve as a resource to CMS as it works to expand patient access to affordable care."

To read the comment letter, click here.

Keywords for this news article include: American College of Rheumatology, Government Agencies Offices and Entities.

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