CT House Delegation Requests Gov. Malloy’s Assistance to Protect Residents From Trump Administration’s Healthcare Policies
Yesterday,
"Unfortunately, the
"The repeal of the individual mandate beginning in 2019 and proposed Trump Administration regulations on short-term limited-duration plans and association health plans will further destabilize the individual market and raise costs for American families. According to a recent analysis conducted by the
The full text of the letter is below, and a copy of the signed letter can be found here (https://delauro.house.gov/sites/delauro.house.gov/files/Delegation_Letter_Malloy_ACA_Trump.pdf).
The Honorable
Governor
Dear Governor Malloy,
We write to you to request your assistance in protecting our constituents' health insurance and reducing out of pocket health care costs for working families. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have actively pushed policies that depress enrollment in health insurance, and raise premiums and out of pocket costs for middle class families.
The repeal of the individual mandate beginning in 2019 and proposed Trump Administration regulations on short-term limited-duration plans and association health plans will further destabilize the individual market and raise costs for American families. According to a recent analysis conducted by the
In the absence of a commitment from
There are a number of actions at the state level that would help increase coverage and improve the affordability of care for families in our state that will also counteract the harmful work of
Protect state residents by limiting the sale of sub-par junk insurance plans.
Boost coverage (and lower costs) by increasing outreach, enrollment and marketing.
States can increase efforts to connect consumers to coverage and increase awareness of the insurance marketplaces. While the Trump Administration dramatically cut the budget for marketing and outreach, and has refused to use funds designated for these purposes, states can and should redouble on the ground efforts, including marketing targeted at hard to reach groups. Awareness of the marketplaces and available financial assistance remain very low, and younger and healthier consumers are more likely to remain uninsured without significant advertising campaigns. Investments in outreach, enrollment and marketing help ensure a diverse risk pool, bringing premiums down for consumers. For instance, Covered California estimates that its extensive investment in marketing and outreach has translated into 6-8 percent lower premiums. States interested in conducting outreach could ask that federal funds currently not being used for their intended purposes be sent directly to the states for their own outreach and marketing efforts.
Strengthen state oversight of the individual market to improve plan participation and lower costs.
State regulators in all states can work with plans to ensure that every rating area has a plan available and increase competition to reduce costs and increase choice. Demonstrating this commitment and increasing communication with issuers at the state level has the potential to reverse the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to sabotage the individual market.
Protect consumers by ensuring their health plan provides essential health benefits, like hospital care or prescription drugs.
While Republican legislative attempts to undermine critical health benefits like maternity care and prescription drugs have not succeeded to date, the Trump Administration is considering steps that would allow plans to charge more for certain life-saving benefits or allow plans to exclude certain needed items from coverage altogether. States and localities have the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of these essential health benefits and ensure equal access to needed care by passing their own requirements to protect residents and bolster the intent of current law and regulations.
Use existing Affordable Care Act (ACA) authority to craft a reinsurance program to reduce health insurance premiums.
A number of states have sought State Innovation waivers under Section 1332 of the ACA to create reinsurance funds to stabilize the individual market. These funds protect consumers from dramatic premium increases by paying claims above a certain limit or paying for claims for certain specific high-cost conditions. Removing these claims or conditions through reinsurance allows plans to reduce premiums for other consumers.
Broaden the insurance risk pool by passing a state-level individual mandate or similar policy designed to boost enrollment.
Passing a state level individual mandate would both increase coverage and reduce premiums for consumers. After
While it is clear that
We look forward to working with you and your administration to help make these options a reality. Thank you for your consideration.
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