December 15, 2017
Join disabled Americans, our families, and advocates around the nation Monday, December 18th, for a national call–in day to oppose the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). STOP THE GOP #TaxOnDisability!
December 14, 2017
Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repealed net neutrality — a terrible step for what has traditionally been a free and open internet, and for American democracy. Repeal of net neutrality rules will allow dominant companies like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to discriminate against rivals by prioritizing their own content.
December 4, 2017
The House and the Senate need to reconcile differences found in their version of the different tax bills by going to conference. They can also decide to forego that process and simply vote on the Senate version instead. We're told that House Representatives could vote as early as TODAY, Monday, December 4th.
November 29, 2017
HHS's recently released Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposes a number of significant "updates" to rules that regulate the ACA marketplaces, as well as changes in who is responsible for the actual monitoring and enforcement of those rules. DREDF's response highlights our opposition to proposals to change how essential health benefit standards are established in each state, the way that provider network adequacy is enforced for plans participating in the exchanges, and the requirement that requires plans to limit their use of premiums for expenses other than medical benefits. DREDF also criticizes greatly reduced federal support for Navigators and increases on individual and family cost-sharing limits.
November 27, 2017
If the GOP Senate manages to eliminate the individual mandate provisions of the Affordable Care Act insurance premiums are projected to increase by 10% on average and an estimated 13 million people will lose health insurance.
November 21, 2017
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center (CMMI) put out an informal Request for Information on September 20, seeking stakeholder feedback on a "new direction to promote patient-centered care and test market-driven reforms." The RFI emphasizes choice and competition as the keys to higher quality, reduced costs, and improved patient outcomes. DREDF response emphasizes the critical need for enhancing and integrating long-term services and supports across all of CMMI's models, including within accountable care organizations, advance payment models, and PACE programs for younger people with disabilities.
November 17, 2017
The House passed its version of the Republican tax overhaul on Thursday, November 16 but obstacles remain in the Senate, which is refining its own version of the legislation amid objections from key GOP senators.
November 1, 2017
Open enrollment in the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces, where approximately 12 million people buy health insurance, begins today Wednesday, November 1 and continues until December 15. According to a report by the
Department of Health and Human Services' policy division, 80 percent of HealthCare.gov enrollees will be able to purchase a plan for $75 or less per month — making the 2018 insurance exchanges the lowest ever premiums for many consumers.
October 13, 2017
Making good on his promise to "never stop" his personal obsession to crush anything connected to Obamacare, late Thursday night President Trump issued a statement saying that his Administration would do away with Federal subsidies to health insurance companies that help pay out of pocket costs for people on low-incomes under the Affordable Care Act. Earlier in the day, President Trump circumvented Congress by signing an Executive Order allowing insurance companies to sell lower cost policies with fewer benefits as a means of drawing younger, healthier people away from existing Obamacare marketplaces.
October 5, 2017
Re: Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and other Revisions to Part B for CY 2018; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (CMS-1676-P)