Week in Washington: No ACA Stabilization

March 22,2018

The ACA stabilization bill will not be included in this year’s spending bill (omnibus bill).  There are a number of reasons for it not being passed--from differences over abortion to growing concerns that CSR funding may hurt low-income enrollees.  One question I’ve been asked is “what are the chances that some sort of stabilization bill will be resurrected?”  The chances of a bill passing before the midterm elections in November are extremely low. Generally, to pass legislation these days, you need a budget bill to tie your bill to. There will be no major budget bill until after November. In fact, there likely won’t be any major bills until then as Congress begins to turn its focus and energy to campaigning and the election. While there is always a slim chance something could happen in August or September, the far more likely outcome is that no stabilization bill will be considered before December.

New Medicaid Proposed Rule: CMS released a new proposed rule that would reduce the reporting requirements for states involving Medicaid MCOs. You can read it here.

New CDC Head: The Administration today appointed a new head of the CDC. Robert Redfield, an AIDS researcher, is the new choice.

Drug Prices: New data out on drug prices. Axios reported that 20 drugs increased prices 200% in the last 14 months. You can read a summary of the finding here

Warren Bill: Senator Elizabeth Warren released her bill that would expand coverage. As opposed to a number of other ideas that would have Medicare or Medicaid buy-in, Warren’s plan would build coverage in the ACA individual market by expanding subsidies to all individuals, regardless of income. It would shift the benchmark plan (the plan by which subsidies are calculated) to a gold level.   It would also require insurance companies that have plans in Medicare Advantage or Medicaid to offer coverage in the individual market. You can read more about it here.