Blogs

US Senate Gears Up to Amend PPACA After Comprehensive Repeal Effort Falls Short

Last week, the U.S. Senate rebuffed a Republican effort to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in its entirety.  Even before H.R. 2 failed due to a technical motion on the Senate floor,[1] Republican senators filed or co-sponsored a number of bills to amend PPACA in anticipation of the cool reception by their Democratic colleagues regarding an all-out repeal.   

During the 112th Session of Congress, the first successful effort to actually amend part of PPACA had bi-partisan support.  On February 1, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced Amendment...

Author: Michael Gomes

US Senate Blocks Vote on Health Care Repeal Bill

Votes Stem from U.S. House Republican Victory Last Month on Adoption of HR 2

U.S. Senate Activities

At approximately 6:24 p.m. (ET) today (Wednesday February 2, 2011), the U.S. Senate blocked a formal vote on the health care reform bill by a margin of 51-47 on a procedural motion. The Senate started debating the merits of PPACA on the floor today, with the Republicans highlighting the problems of the new law, and Democrats arguing the need to move forward with the current healthcare reform law. The U.S....

Author: Bernard DiFiore

A Call for Statistical Accountability in Today's Health Reform Debate

With all of the different facts, figures and opinions surrounding the health care reform debate, it is hard to separate fact from fiction or truth from hyperbole. When talking about healthcare, the stakes are high both in terms of the quality of patient lives and the costs. With this in mind, perhaps it is time to transcend our own biases and work together to improve the factual content of the debate.  Hopefully, such a value system would empower us to identify more effective ways to improve the healthcare delivery and insurance system. 

We are reminded of this challenge...

Author: Michael Gomes

Changes for Health Savings Accounts for 2011 and Beyond

In recent years, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have proved a great way for individuals and families to cover the cost of medical expenses through a high deductible health plan arrangement.  Due to their popularity, HSA enrollment has been expanding quickly, with an estimated 10 million Americans selecting this approach to coverage. 

Similar to last year, pre-tax contributions to HSA plan are limited to $3,050 for a single individual and $6,150 for a family.  If an individual is age 55 or older, an additional “catch-up” contribution of $1,000 is also permitted.

Author: Michael Gomes

Officials in 17 States Ask HHS to Phase-in MLR Requirements

States and health plans continue to struggle to implement several key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), including the new Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) requirement. Although PPACA is helping millions of previously uninsured Americans gain access to affordable and high-quality health care, the implementation process is not always seamless. The MLR issue highlights one of the more difficult regulatory hurdles mandated by the new health care reform law. As a result, 17 states have asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for additional time to phase-in MLR requirements. 

Author: Michael Gomes

HHS Announces Delay in ICD-10 Compliance Deadline

On February 16th, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the deadline by which health care entities must comply with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition diagnosis and procedures codes (ICD-10) will be delayed. The delay is an effort on the part of HHS to ease the administrative burden faced by health care providers. Secretary Sebelius stated, “We are committing to work with the provider community to reexamine the pace at which HHS and the nation implement these important improvements to our health care system.”

Author: Michael Gomes

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