Great information. It appears States need to go forward with legislation to create a license for a Navigator. Agents spend years, lots of time and money on education to be an expert. I am concerned that HHS is going to gave Navigators training that is not as comprehensive as what Agents receive to sell in the exchange. Therefore, we have Navigators leading consumers in a direction that may not be best for them. In that the question arises that Agents must carry E&O in the case that someone might receive misinformation, will Navigators be required to carry E&O?
HHS: States can license navigators | LifeHealthPro
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Romney announces Healthcare Professionals Coalition
Romney for President today announced its Healthcare Professionals for Romney coalition, co-chairs, Cassidy, Boustany, and Fleming
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Alternative to AARP
I didn't think it would take long for a replacement for AARP....... Check out the replacement, AMAC - The Association for Mature American Citizens. www.AMAC.us
So many seniors didn't think AARP had their best interest in mind when they were at the table discussing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
So many seniors didn't think AARP had their best interest in mind when they were at the table discussing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Rep Harry Waxman just doesn't understand
By: Jason Millman – Politico
Posted: September 20, 2012
In the end,
Rep. John Barrow found himself all out on his own.
Barrow
(D-Ga.), the co-sponsor of a bill shielding agent and broker commissions from
the health care law’s medical loss ratio requirement, was the only Democrat on
the House Energy and Commerce Committee who voted to advance the bill Thursday.
The committee approved the bill on a 26-14 vote.
But it’s
likely to have much more Democratic support if it gets to the full House
floor.
The agent and
broker groups say their livelihoods are threatened by the ACA’s limits on what
insurers can spend using premium dollars, besides the actual cost of medical
care. By lumping in broker commissions with insurers’ administrative spending,
the groups say their members have seen their revenue cut between 20 and 50
percent and have suffered job losses as a direct result.
“This doesn’t
just hurt the brokers, but also their employees and, most importantly, the
consumers who rely on them to obtain coverage and assistance in understanding
the complex health care law,” said Robert Smith, president of the National
Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, in a statement.
Agent and
broker groups, framing the MLR as a jobs issue, have made the bill a top
legislative priority over the past two years. They quickly gained support in the
House with 220 co-sponsors, including about two dozen Democrats — more than most
bills altering ACA provisions.
“This should
be a bipartisan bill,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who co-sponsored the
legislation with Barrow.
But the
strongest supporters of the ACA have pushed back hard against the bill,
contending it would weaken one of the law’s strongest consumer protections. The
$1.1 billion in MLR rebates sent out by insurers this year could have been cut
by more than half if agent and broker commissions were exempted from the rule,
Consumers Union claimed in a report yesterday.
“Commissions
have always been recognized as part of administrative costs,” said Henry Waxman
(D-Calif.), the committee’s top Democrat.
“This bill
would reverse this, causing consumers to pay more for coverage or get less in
benefits.”
Democrats on
the committee also criticized a provision of the bill that would let states
determine whether enforcing the MLR would destabilize their individual or
small-group insurance markets.
Governor Dayton Moving ahead on health insurance exchange
Governor Dayton moving ahead on health insurance exchange
By: JACKIE CROSBY - Star Tribune
Posted: September 18,
2012
Dayton
ramps up health care exchange plan, reassures GOP foes.
Gov. Mark
Dayton told legislative leaders Tuesday that he will seek federal approval to
move forward on a Minnesota-made health insurance exchange, but he sought to
assure Republican opponents that he will defer important policy decisions until
after the November election. Dayton also said he was shifting responsibility
for leading the "next phase" of the exchange to a new state agency. The actions
are a sign of continued movement to set up a state-run exchange, a key component
of President Obama's health care law. The exchanges are scheduled to launch
nationwide in 2014 and aim to be competitive marketplaces for individuals and
small businesses to comparison shop for health insurance. "While the Affordable
Care Act continues to be debated in the political arena, the law is clear:
either we design and implement a state-based exchange, or we will be assigned to
a one-size-fits-all federal exchange," Dayton said in a letter to the
legislators.
More than 1.2
million Minnesotans are expected to be eligible for the exchange, which
supporters say will make buying health insurance as user-friendly as shopping
for an airline ticket on a travel website.
The state has
received $28.5 million in federal grants to hire staff and lay the foundation.
It has applied for another $42.5 million to build the technical infrastructure.
States have until Nov. 16 to submit paperwork to the federal government to prove
they will have a functioning exchange by the Oct. 1, 2013, open enrollment
period.
While a
Minnesota-designed exchange has the support of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
and some key Republican leaders, it does not enjoy full bipartisan support.
Lawmakers were unable to get an exchange bill out of committee during the
previous two legislative sessions, and Dayton has signaled he will use his
authority to move forward without legislators, if need be. Dayton seemed to
soften that stance in the letter Tuesday, emphasizing in bold type that he would
"not commit Minnesota to any final policy decisions in the application,"
including how the exchange will be financed and whether it will be governed by
the state, a nonprofit agency or a combination. "I respect the authority of the
Legislature to participate in these decisions, and strongly prefer that we all
work together to make these crucial choices," he said. Dayton said he will give
the reins to Minnesota Management and Budget to begin scaling up the effort and
dealing with what promises to be a more complex and turbulent period where
battle lines about how the exchange will work will become more clear. Minnesota
Management and Budget Commissioner James Schowalter has served Republican and
Democratic administrations.
Until now,
Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman has spearheaded the effort. Brokers and some
businesses have raised concerns recently that the process hasn't been
transparent enough. Dayton's letter said the move would address concerns that
the Commerce Department, which regulates the insurance industry, shouldn't also
be involved in building core functions of an exchange it will
oversee.
Dayton's chief
of staff, Tina Flint-Smith, acknowledged the concerns about conflicts with the
Department of Commerce and said, "We listened to that."
Senator weighing health-care exchange options
Senator weighing health-care exchange options Ohio agrees with Louisiana and says no to an exchange or agrees to a partnership program. Either way they are unsure how to proceed!
Strict Federal Rules for Health Exchange Data Rankle States
Strict Federal Rules for Health Exchange Data Rankle States Allowing use of IRS data for exchanges ONLY!
Oklahoma Files Suit on PPACA
Oklahoma's attorney general on Wednesday filed a fresh legal challenge to the
federal health-overhaul law, zeroing in on penalties that employers in the state
would face if they didn't offer affordable health coverage to their workers.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
CMS Tele-conference on Exchanges
A Caller on Teleconference for CMS was asking how much money they should ask their legislators for during session to pay for the navigators salary to enroll in an exchange. He wants CMS to pay the salaries for navigators for the first 6 months. This call was from New Mexico.
CMS stated to watch for something called "Market Place Assisters" - more regulations to come out soon. CMS also stated that Agent and Brokers have done a very good job throughout America and will continue to do so.
CMS stated to watch for something called "Market Place Assisters" - more regulations to come out soon. CMS also stated that Agent and Brokers have done a very good job throughout America and will continue to do so.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
PPACA: Producers Defend Current Stop-Loss Rules | LifeHealthPro
Did not receive any information from NAHU to assist with this fight, but did have LAHU agents contact me in which I aligned them with Commissioner Donelon whom is assisting them.
PPACA: Producers Defend Current Stop-Loss Rules | LifeHealthPro
PPACA: Producers Defend Current Stop-Loss Rules | LifeHealthPro
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
HHS issues EHB data collection rule
HHS issues EHB data collection rule
Politico
- 7/18/12 4:34 PM EDT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
[CMS-9965-F]
45 CFR Part
156
RIN
0938-AR36
Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act; Data Collection to Support Standards
Related
to Essential Health
Benefits; Recognition of Entities for the Accreditation of
Qualified
Health
Plans
AGENCY: Department of Health and
Human Services.
ACTION: Final
rule.
SUMMARY:
This
final rule establishes data collection standards necessary to
implement
aspects of section 1302
of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care
Act),
which directs the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to define essential health
benefits.
This final rule outlines
the data on applicable plans to be collected from certain issuers to
support
the definition of
essential health benefits. This final rule also establishes a process for
the
recognition of
accrediting entities for purposes of certification of qualified health
plans.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
These
regulations are effective on [OFR: Insert 30 days from date
of
publication].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Adam Block at (410)
786-1698, for matters related to essential health benefits data
collection.
Deborah Greene at (301)
492-4293, for matters related to accreditation of qualified health
plans.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
HHS Implmentation of Exchange Seminars
Please join officials from the US Department of
Health and Human Services at one of the upcoming Affordable Care Act
implementation forums across the country. These sessions are intended to
provide an opportunity for states and stakeholders to learn more about the next
steps in implementation of the health care law and ask questions about work
needed to build Affordable Insurance Exchanges in every state. HHS leadership
will provide an overview of topics related to coverage provisions of the
Affordable Care Act effective in 2014.
We anticipate a wide variety of
stakeholders and state officials will want to attend these forums. The forums
will be particularly useful to stakeholders who seek information regarding next
steps in the creation of a more competitive private health insurance marketplace
through the establishment of Affordable Insurance
Exchanges.
In order to make it easy for
interested participants to attend, we have scheduled four regional sessions in
Washington, DC, Chicago, Denver, and Atlanta. Each session will run from
9:00am-4:30pm and is open to people throughout the country.
Please click here to RSVP for one of
the following sessions.
July 31: Washington,
DC
Hubert H. Humphrey
Building, Great Hall
200 Independence
Ave., SW
Washington, DC
20201
*Note: This
session will be webcast
August 2:
Chicago
Social Security
Administration, Center Auditorium
600 West Madison
Street
Chicago, IL
60661
August 10:
Denver
Davis Auditorium in
Sturm Hall, University of Denver
2000 E. Asbury
Ave.
Denver, CO
80208
August 15:
Atlanta
National Archives at
Atlanta
5780 Jonesboro
Road
Morrow, GA 30260
Morrow, GA 30260
Please note that space will be
limited, so registration is required.
For more information on the
Affordable Care Act and Exchanges, please visit www.healthcare.gov/exchanges.
Contact us at hhsiea@hhs.gov with
questions.
If you are a member of the media
wishing to attend, please contact Fabien at fabien.levy@hhs.gov.
=
=
Health Law Deadlines Under Pressure
Health Law Deadlines Under Pressure
This story was produced in collaboration with 
With Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the health law, debate has shifted to whether deadlines key to the law’s goal of expanding coverage to tens of millions of Americans will be pushed back.
Some say states and the federal government are facing such complex technical and political realities that there will be a need to push back some deadlines, including the Jan. 1, 2014, opening of new online marketplaces where individuals and small business will shop for coverage. And there may be pressure in Congress to delay some spending on the health law in order to help reduce the federal budget deficit.
“Except in a few states, it’s impossible to do this in the time allowed – it’s going to have to slip,” said Joseph Antos of the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
For its part, the federal government says the marketplaces and other elements of the law will move forward on time.
“I believe we’re on schedule to implement the Affordable Care Act in the manner in which the statute contemplates,” Mike Hash, interim director of the federal Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight, told reporters Friday.
More than $850 million in grants have already gone to states to plan their exchanges, with most accepting the money, even where lawmakers have opposed moving forward with any aspect of the health law. Still, only 14 states and the District of Columbia have so far passed legislation authorizing the exchanges. And legislation is just one piece. Among other things, states must upgrade computer systems, create governing organizations, and define what “essential benefits” insurers must include in policies sold on their exchanges.
“Look for a discussion in Washington now about delaying implementation,” noted consultant Robert Laszewski, a former insurance industry executive. “Somewhere between 20 and 40 states may not be ready.”
Administration Is Confident
Still, the possibility of delaying a key part of the law – the insurance exchanges where Americans will shop for coverage, qualify for subsidies or enroll in Medicaid – would have big political and practical consequences. States such as California, Maryland and Connecticut are already well underway in their efforts to have exchanges open for enrollment in the fall of next year.
“States that are ready are going to want to go forward in 2014 because people will expect the tax credits” and the new rules that prevent insurers from rejecting people with medical conditions, said Joel Ario, the Obama administration’s former director of the Office of Health Insurance Exchanges who is now a managing director at Manatt Health Solutions.
A delay would most likely require legislation, and that would be difficult, both politically and procedurally, said a senior Senate Democratic aide: “As a political matter, it would be incredibly foolish of those who love the law to slow it down. We need the benefits now rather than later.”
Still, there are many states that are unenthusiastic about the law and have made little progress in implementing exchanges. Some are awaiting the outcome of the November election before taking any action.
Tim Jones, a Republican and Missouri House majority leader, told the Associated Press he feared wasting “a lot of legislative time and state resources” if his state moved ahead when there’s a possibility of a win by apparent GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who has vowed to repeal the health law if elected.
Only a Romney defeat would compel Wisconsin lawmakers to “figure out some alternative within the state” to a federal exchange, Republican Gov. Scott Walker has said.
Government Has Fallback Plan
The federal government is working to build fallback exchanges, which will be available for states that either can’t or won’t run their own. The effort includes creation of a federal data hub, which will provide state exchanges with data from the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies. Some have questioned whether it will be ready.
Even if states are ready in time, the federal government won’t be, said Cheryl Smith, director of the exchange practice at Leavitt Partners, a consulting firm founded by former Bush administration official Michael Leavitt.
“The 2014 start is untenable for federally compliant exchanges,” said Smith, who previously directed Utah’s health exchange. “They have to verify income, they have to verify residency, they have to verify citizenship, and do that all through different federal agencies. Before [federal subsidies] can flow, every one of those things has to be done.”
The Obama administration has consistently said the federal exchanges will be ready, although it has produced few details on its progress.
Ario, the former exchange director, said “all signs point to it being ready.” He attended a recent meeting of state insurance commissioners in Washington where federal officials repeatedly encouraged them to not only apply to run their own exchanges, but also consider partnering with the federal exchange as a backup for some functions.
Thomas Scully, a health care consultant who ran Medicare and Medicaid under President George W. Bush, predicted that the federal government would be ready to fill in with exchanges either permanently or temporarily, but still said a postponement is inevitable as a means of reducing the budget deficit.
That’s because early next year, Congress will have to negotiate a major deficit reduction deal or automatic budget cuts will take effect for federal spending on everything from Medicare to defense. Scully predicts that those cuts – known as sequestration – will create pressure from Democrats and Republicans alike to do something to slow spending.
To avoid the automatic cuts, Democrats might agree to a one-year delay of the exchanges, he said. That would save money because the federal government would not be spending tens of billions of dollars to help low- and moderate-income Americans buy coverage.
“There will be a nasty, ugly spring with debt limit increases and the pot will boil all spring and summer (next year),” Scully said. “Democrats will say they’ll never ever touch the health care bill, and Republicans will say they’ll never ever raise taxes. Then there will be a deal.”
Delaying implementation of the health law could free up federal dollars to offset cuts to defense and domestic programs that are part of the sequester, said G. William Hoagland, vice president of public policy for Cigna who previously served as a top Republican staff member of the Senate Budget Committee.
Antos, at AEI, says Congress might be tempted to make a deal when the difficult issue of raising the nation’s debt ceiling comes up again.
“If Obama wins reelection, but the Republicans control the House and the Democrats control the Senate, there will have to be some negotiation,” said Antos. “Democrats might say, ‘give us a higher debt ceiling, hold us to a little less deficit reduction and we’ll give this (health law) a delay.”
KHN senior correspondent Jay Hancock contributed to this report.
Some say states and the federal government are facing such complex technical and political realities that there will be a need to push back some deadlines, including the Jan. 1, 2014, opening of new online marketplaces where individuals and small business will shop for coverage. And there may be pressure in Congress to delay some spending on the health law in order to help reduce the federal budget deficit.
“Except in a few states, it’s impossible to do this in the time allowed – it’s going to have to slip,” said Joseph Antos of the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
For its part, the federal government says the marketplaces and other elements of the law will move forward on time.
More than $850 million in grants have already gone to states to plan their exchanges, with most accepting the money, even where lawmakers have opposed moving forward with any aspect of the health law. Still, only 14 states and the District of Columbia have so far passed legislation authorizing the exchanges. And legislation is just one piece. Among other things, states must upgrade computer systems, create governing organizations, and define what “essential benefits” insurers must include in policies sold on their exchanges.
“Look for a discussion in Washington now about delaying implementation,” noted consultant Robert Laszewski, a former insurance industry executive. “Somewhere between 20 and 40 states may not be ready.”
Administration Is Confident
Still, the possibility of delaying a key part of the law – the insurance exchanges where Americans will shop for coverage, qualify for subsidies or enroll in Medicaid – would have big political and practical consequences. States such as California, Maryland and Connecticut are already well underway in their efforts to have exchanges open for enrollment in the fall of next year.
“States that are ready are going to want to go forward in 2014 because people will expect the tax credits” and the new rules that prevent insurers from rejecting people with medical conditions, said Joel Ario, the Obama administration’s former director of the Office of Health Insurance Exchanges who is now a managing director at Manatt Health Solutions.
A delay would most likely require legislation, and that would be difficult, both politically and procedurally, said a senior Senate Democratic aide: “As a political matter, it would be incredibly foolish of those who love the law to slow it down. We need the benefits now rather than later.”
Still, there are many states that are unenthusiastic about the law and have made little progress in implementing exchanges. Some are awaiting the outcome of the November election before taking any action.
Tim Jones, a Republican and Missouri House majority leader, told the Associated Press he feared wasting “a lot of legislative time and state resources” if his state moved ahead when there’s a possibility of a win by apparent GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who has vowed to repeal the health law if elected.
Only a Romney defeat would compel Wisconsin lawmakers to “figure out some alternative within the state” to a federal exchange, Republican Gov. Scott Walker has said.
Government Has Fallback Plan
The federal government is working to build fallback exchanges, which will be available for states that either can’t or won’t run their own. The effort includes creation of a federal data hub, which will provide state exchanges with data from the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies. Some have questioned whether it will be ready.
Even if states are ready in time, the federal government won’t be, said Cheryl Smith, director of the exchange practice at Leavitt Partners, a consulting firm founded by former Bush administration official Michael Leavitt.
“The 2014 start is untenable for federally compliant exchanges,” said Smith, who previously directed Utah’s health exchange. “They have to verify income, they have to verify residency, they have to verify citizenship, and do that all through different federal agencies. Before [federal subsidies] can flow, every one of those things has to be done.”
The Obama administration has consistently said the federal exchanges will be ready, although it has produced few details on its progress.
Ario, the former exchange director, said “all signs point to it being ready.” He attended a recent meeting of state insurance commissioners in Washington where federal officials repeatedly encouraged them to not only apply to run their own exchanges, but also consider partnering with the federal exchange as a backup for some functions.
Thomas Scully, a health care consultant who ran Medicare and Medicaid under President George W. Bush, predicted that the federal government would be ready to fill in with exchanges either permanently or temporarily, but still said a postponement is inevitable as a means of reducing the budget deficit.
That’s because early next year, Congress will have to negotiate a major deficit reduction deal or automatic budget cuts will take effect for federal spending on everything from Medicare to defense. Scully predicts that those cuts – known as sequestration – will create pressure from Democrats and Republicans alike to do something to slow spending.
To avoid the automatic cuts, Democrats might agree to a one-year delay of the exchanges, he said. That would save money because the federal government would not be spending tens of billions of dollars to help low- and moderate-income Americans buy coverage.
“There will be a nasty, ugly spring with debt limit increases and the pot will boil all spring and summer (next year),” Scully said. “Democrats will say they’ll never ever touch the health care bill, and Republicans will say they’ll never ever raise taxes. Then there will be a deal.”
Delaying implementation of the health law could free up federal dollars to offset cuts to defense and domestic programs that are part of the sequester, said G. William Hoagland, vice president of public policy for Cigna who previously served as a top Republican staff member of the Senate Budget Committee.
Antos, at AEI, says Congress might be tempted to make a deal when the difficult issue of raising the nation’s debt ceiling comes up again.
“If Obama wins reelection, but the Republicans control the House and the Democrats control the Senate, there will have to be some negotiation,” said Antos. “Democrats might say, ‘give us a higher debt ceiling, hold us to a little less deficit reduction and we’ll give this (health law) a delay.”
KHN senior correspondent Jay Hancock contributed to this report.
We want to hear from you: Contact Kaiser Health News
Medicaid explansion likely to dominate National Governors Association meeting in Williamsburg
Medicaid expansion likely to dominate National Governors Association meeting in Williamsburg
By Felicia Sonmez,
The National Governors Association kicks off its 104th annual meeting in Williamsburg, Va., this Friday – and already the state executives’ reactions to the Supreme Court’s health-care ruling appear to be the main event.Matt Eich/LUCEO
FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
Colonial Williamsburg
In the weeks since the Supreme Court ruling, several Republican governors opposed to the law have declared that they will opt out of its Medicaid expansion, which is set to take effect in 2014 and would cover those earning 133 percent or less of the federal poverty level.
Among the GOP governors who have announced they will oppose the Medicaid expansion are Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
In the political hotseat this weekend are likely to be those GOP governors who have yet to announce their positions on the issue – including Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.
Some of those governors are already coming under pressure from Democrats in their home states to take part in the expansion. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) on Wednesday wrote a letter to McDonnell arguing that opting out of the expansion would be “a costly and historic mistake.”
And the four Democratic members of Georgia’s congressional delegation – Reps. Hank Johnson, John Lewis, David Scott and Sanford Bishop – wrote a letter to Deal on Wednesday urging him to “expand Georgia’s Medicaid program and extend health insurance to over 600,000 needy Georgians, including many that we are proud to represent.”
Deal has said that he intends to wait until after November to make a decision.
According to the nonprofit Urban Institute, if the national health care law were implemented in all 50 states, about 22 million Americans who are currently uninsured would be eligible for Medicaid. Of them, about 15 million are uninsured adults who are not currently eligible.
© The Washington Post Company
Prope into NAIC
A senior member of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC) today asked the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the operations and structure of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
The review is needed, Rep. Edward Royce, R-Calif. said, as a “necessary” threshold step “prior to having a comprehensive discussion on the future of U.S. insurance regulation” because the NAIC “currently labels itself” the "home of U.S. insurance regulation."
He said that he has observed over the years that he has been in Congress, that the insurance regulatory regime in this country is “out of date and inefficient, and the heart of that system is the NAIC.”
Royce requested the review in a letter delivered today to Michael McRaith, FIO director.
He said NAIC practices are problematic from a legal perspective as well as from a good governance perspective.
“If they were a federal regulatory agency, there would be checks on their budget and their operations,” Royce explained.
“Unfortunately, very few checks exist today on the NAIC,” he added.
NAIC officials in Washington confirmed that they had received the letter, but said they would have no comment.
Royce is a senior member of the Capital Markets and Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittees of the FSC.
He said that, "Despite not having general Congressionally-authorized regulatory power” recent NAIC actions “would suggest it and its members believe it does, in fact, have regulatory authority."
“And despite claims that most policy discussions are held in a public forum, meeting records suggest otherwise,” Royce said.
"My ‘ask’ to Director McRaith in this letter is simple: take a look at the NAIC’s structure, the actions it is taking, and its budgetary process," Royce said in the letter.
“Does it have the necessary accountability?” Royce asked.
In the letter, Royce asked that the FIO study he wants McRaith to undertake should “highlight areas that are in need of improvement.”
“It is my hope that Director McRaith’s pending report on insurance modernization will kick off a debate on the future of insurance regulation in the U.S.; however, I don’t believe we can have that discussion without first conducting an analysis of one of the key players in the existing system," Royce said.
Elizabeth Festa contributed to this report
The review is needed, Rep. Edward Royce, R-Calif. said, as a “necessary” threshold step “prior to having a comprehensive discussion on the future of U.S. insurance regulation” because the NAIC “currently labels itself” the "home of U.S. insurance regulation."
He said that he has observed over the years that he has been in Congress, that the insurance regulatory regime in this country is “out of date and inefficient, and the heart of that system is the NAIC.”
Royce requested the review in a letter delivered today to Michael McRaith, FIO director.
He said NAIC practices are problematic from a legal perspective as well as from a good governance perspective.
“If they were a federal regulatory agency, there would be checks on their budget and their operations,” Royce explained.
“Unfortunately, very few checks exist today on the NAIC,” he added.
NAIC officials in Washington confirmed that they had received the letter, but said they would have no comment.
Royce is a senior member of the Capital Markets and Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittees of the FSC.
He said that, "Despite not having general Congressionally-authorized regulatory power” recent NAIC actions “would suggest it and its members believe it does, in fact, have regulatory authority."
“And despite claims that most policy discussions are held in a public forum, meeting records suggest otherwise,” Royce said.
"My ‘ask’ to Director McRaith in this letter is simple: take a look at the NAIC’s structure, the actions it is taking, and its budgetary process," Royce said in the letter.
“Does it have the necessary accountability?” Royce asked.
In the letter, Royce asked that the FIO study he wants McRaith to undertake should “highlight areas that are in need of improvement.”
“It is my hope that Director McRaith’s pending report on insurance modernization will kick off a debate on the future of insurance regulation in the U.S.; however, I don’t believe we can have that discussion without first conducting an analysis of one of the key players in the existing system," Royce said.
Elizabeth Festa contributed to this report
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Supreme Court Votes 5 - 4 to uphold PPACA
Supreme Court has decided that the Federal Government has every right to force you to purchase health insurance, as long as it is called a TAX.
Planned Parenthood is coming out saying that now 45 million women have access to no-cost preventative health screenings.... No-cost? Really?
Planned Parenthood is coming out saying that now 45 million women have access to no-cost preventative health screenings.... No-cost? Really?
Monday, June 18, 2012
Supreme Court
The court has handed out its opinions for the day, and the health care ruling
isn’t one of them. Thursday is the next day the court is scheduled to hand out
rulings.
Supreme Court Tea Leaves...
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg needled the press Friday night about a “steady
stream of rumors and fifth-hand accounts” about what the Supreme Court might do
on the Affordable Care Act. “Those who know don’t talk. And those who talk don’t
know,” she said at an American Constitution Society forum at the Capital
Hilton.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Subcommittee to Examine Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs
| ***MEDIA ADVISORY***Subcommittee to Examine Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs |
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – On
Thursday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment,
Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), will hold a hearing
entitled “Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs for Workers and Employers.”
The hearing will take place in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office
Building.
Independent reports continue to highlight the rising cost of health care. A
study by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed the average annual premium for a
family health care plan increased by 9 percent in 2011 and now exceeds $15,000. Additionally, a survey by Pricewaterhouse
Coopers estimates employer health care costs will rise by 8.5 percent this year.
The 2010 health care law failed to lower costs and continues to undermine employers’ and workers’ ability to access affordable health care options. For example, the law restricted the use of health savings accounts and limited the ability to contribute to a flexible spending account. Furthermore, a recent regulatory bulletin issued by the Obama administration may actually discourage employers from offering these kinds of consumer-directed health plans. Thursday's hearing will provide committee members an opportunity to examine federal policies that make it more difficult for workers and employers to control health care costs. To learn more about Thursday’s hearing, visit http://edworkforce.house.gov/hearings. |
|
# # # WITNESS LIST Mr. Bill Streitberger Vice President of Human Resources Red Robin International Greenwood Village, CO
Mr. Ed Fensholt
Senior Vice President and Director of Compliance Services Lockton Benefit Group Kansas City, MO
Mr. Roy Ramthun
President HSA Consulting Services Washington, D.C. Jody Hall Owner Cupcake Royale and Verite Coffee Seattle, WA |
Friday, May 25, 2012
Majority Speaker Cantor's Memo to Republicans on Summer Agenda
MEMORANDUM
TO: House Republicans
FR: Eric Cantor
DT: Friday, May 25, 2012
RE: Summer Legislative Agenda
In line with our underlying principles for legislation, the House will move forward this summer with a number of proposals aimed at addressing job creation and the economy, reducing spending, and shrinking the size of the federal government while protecting and expanding liberty. Above all, we must continue to focus on economic growth and small business—producing results that get Americans back to work. The summer legislative schedule is detailed below for your review.
MEMORIAL DAY TO FATHER’S DAY
Nearly 7,000 American servicemen and women have lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. There’s no question that these tragic losses have made our country safer. Every day that goes by quietly on American soil is yet another silent reminder of the courageous blanket of freedom that our men and women in uniform have selflessly provided for us.
As we observe Memorial Day, it is critical that we ensure for the care and support of our returning heroes. To that end, the House will take up the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations bill on Thursday May 31, and Friday, June 1. This year’s bill maintains funding at the FY12 appropriated level, taking into account our commitment to our Armed Forces and veterans and the reality of today’s fiscal challenge. Chairman Hal Rogers and Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson should be commended for their work.
We will also pass our third authorization of the nation’s intelligence community and its activities since taking the majority. I expect Chairman Mike Rogers’ bill (H.R. 5743) to be brought forth and passed on Thursday, May 31, in a bipartisan manner. The Intelligence Committee’s work this Congress has been truly impressive in restoring both the role of congressional oversight and bipartisanship, as well as needed policy solutions in rising threat areas like cyber security.
Members should be prepared to vote on Chairman Fred Upton’s FDA user fee reform bill (H.R. 5651) on Wednesday, May 30. Chairman Upton’s bipartisan bill brings needed reform to the federal drug and medical device approval process, enhancing the environment for American innovation and job growth. Though these programs expire at the end of September, the Energy and Commerce Committee hopes to complete negotiations with the Senate on a final bill by July 4th.
Related to the medical device industry is the draconian tax that is scheduled to go into effect under ObamaCare. This tax, to fund a flawed law, will have a negative impact on jobs in the medical device industry. Chairman Dave Camp and the Ways and Means Committee
2
have done an excellent job highlighting this issue, as well as ObamaCare’s ban on the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and other accounts to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Regardless of the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of ObamaCare, we should all be able to agree on Erik Paulsen’s bill to repeal the medical device tax (H.R. 436) and Lynn Jenkins’ bill to repeal the OTC ban (H.R. 5842). I expect a vote on the Paulsen and Jenkins bills as early as the week of June 4.
The remainder of our pre-Father’s Day legislative agenda will be spent considering additional appropriations bills. Though we continue to work with the Committee on an exact schedule, possible bills include Energy and Water Appropriations, Homeland Security Appropriations, and Legislative Branch Appropriations. Each bill conforms to the overall level of discretionary spending authorized under the House’s FY13 budget resolution and deserves our support.
As the Speaker has committed, these bills will be considered under an open and deliberative process, allowing all Members to offer amendments. In order to consider as many bills and amendments as possible, Members should be judicious in the issues they choose to raise, and expeditious in their remarks during consideration.
FATHER’S DAY TO INDEPENDENCE DAY
When we return from Father’s Day, the House will turn its attention on the floor to American jobs and out-of-pocket expenses affected by domestic energy production. According to AAA, the average national price of a gallon of gasoline was $1.84 when President Obama took office. The average today is roughly double that level. That additional cost acts as a drag on the already-sluggish economy and a tax on struggling American consumers, especially small businesses and the middle class.
Some Democrats argue that increasing domestic oil and natural gas leases and regulatory reform won’t affect the price at the pump today. This is the same argument they made 10 years ago that has prevented production today and contributed to domestic refinery closures.
The real tragedy is that thousands of jobs go unrealized as a result of the President’s energy policies—jobs that could bolster our slow economic recovery. It is critically important that we promote and invest in America’s energy resources, encouraging—not discouraging— states like North Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to lead a domestic energy boom.
Therefore, Chairman Doc Hastings and Chairman Upton will be bringing forward a series of bills from their respective committees during the week of June 18 to encourage production on federal lands and lessen the burden of job-inhibiting red tape. Mike Coffman, Cory Gardner, Bill Johnson, Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton, and Ed Whitfield, as well as the entire House Energy Action Team (HEAT), will be instrumental in this debate.
3
Job creation often starts at the local level with small businesses but all too often federal policies stand in the way of economic growth. By employing sound, scientific management, government can play a role in fostering growth at no cost to the taxpayer. Where appropriate, through reducing bureaucratic delays, transferring or selling land, and modifying restrictive land use designations, we can give a green light to needed infrastructure. Members on both sides of the aisle have locally-tailored bills such as these and Chairman Hastings and the Natural Resources Committee have done an excellent job in bringing them forward. I expect a number of these bills to come to the floor the week of June 18.
Finally, we will close out the month of June with the consideration of additional appropriations bills and stop-gap measures.
INDEPENDENCE DAY TO AUGUST
Americans will rightly be focused on the effects of the Supreme Court’s ObamaCare decision when we return from July Fourth. Although we do not know how the Court will rule, we are prepared to move forward to ensure that the whole unworkable law is fully repealed.
Of course, we will also be focused on economic growth during the month of July. It’s too hard to be a small business owner in America right now and we’ve got to turn that around. First among our efforts will be passing Tim Griffin’s bill (H.R. 4078) aimed at cutting government red tape to make it easier for small businesses to create jobs. Under the Griffin bill, there will be a moratorium imposed on any new regulation, save for health and emergency, until unemployment drops below six percent nationally.
Additional Members, like Reid Ribble and Ben Quayle, have legislation to get government regulations off the back of our job creators. The Ribble bill (H.R. 4607) curtails so-called "midnight regulations," while the Quayle bill (H.R. 3862) shines a light on the preponderance of "sue-and-settle" agreements. We will be working with Chairman Lamar Smith and the Judiciary Committee to schedule as many of these proposals as possible throughout July.
The music industry and small business owners across the country watched nervously as the federal government recently raided Gibson Guitar. Whether intended or not, a 2008 law amending the over 100-year old Lacey Act resulted in the raid. Just as fast as Congress can create unintended consequences, we can also fix them. Jim Cooper and Marsha Blackburn have introduced a bill (H.R. 3210) that helps protect small business jobs from government criminalization. The Natural Resources Committee is currently working to advance the bipartisan Cooper bill so that it can be considered on the floor in July.
Our constituents have been—or will soon be—impacted by the closure and hours of operation changes to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facilities across the country. This is the result of yet another government backed entity that cannot meet its financial obligations and is in need of vast reforms to its business plan and operations. Chairman Darrell Issa,
4
Subcommittee Chairman Dennis Ross, and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee have passed a responsible proposal (H.R. 2309) to reform the USPS, and we will be working to bring their bill to the floor.
In July, we will also be voting on Ron Paul’s bill authorizing an audit of the Federal Reserve and report to Congress (H.R. 459).
Very little of what we do this summer will be able to offset the harm to small businesses if the largest tax increase in American history is allowed to go into effect on January 1, 2013. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warned us earlier this week that this massive tax increase will likely contribute to what would "probably be judged to be a recession."
Working families and small business should not be saddled with the uncertainty of a looming tax increase as they attempt to invest and grow for the remainder of this year. That’s why Chairman Camp and the Ways and Means Committee have been working on pro-growth reform to simplify the tax code.
Knowing that comprehensive reform will take time, we must ensure that while Congress is working to bring about competitive change, government does not increase the cost of business. Therefore, before we leave for August, I expect to schedule a vote on legislation preventing the largest tax increase in history. The Senate should join us in providing this very basic level of certainty prior to November.
CONCLUSION
We have a busy legislative agenda planned this summer and our schedule will undoubtedly require further additions. I hope this memo provides you and your constituents with an outline of our pro-growth plan for the months ahead. Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day.
Sincerely,
Eric
Modern Healthcare Reports: Individual Plans Miss Reform-Law Targets: Study
Modern
Healthcare
May
23, 2012
The
majority of individual health plans in a representative sample for the year
2010 did not meet the standards and benefits required by the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, according to the findings of a new Health Affairs
study.
Researchers used the Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust 2010 Employer Health Benefit Survey to examine group plans and sampled enrollment data in five states through interviews with marketing managers at insurance carriers for the individual plans.
Researchers used the Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust 2010 Employer Health Benefit Survey to examine group plans and sampled enrollment data in five states through interviews with marketing managers at insurance carriers for the individual plans.
“More
than half of Americans who had individual insurance in 2010 were enrolled in
plans that would not qualify as providing essential coverage under the rules of
the exchanges in 2014,” the study noted. “These people were enrolled in plans
with an actuarial value below 60%, which means that the plans covered less than
that proportion of the enrollees' health expenses.”
The report also showed that 51% of individual plans they evaluated had an actuarial value of less than 60%, which is the bottom of the so-called bronze range that is one of four levels established by the Affordable Care Act. That bronze level has an actuarial value of between 60% and 69%. Group health plans, however, fared better. According to the study, the average actuarial value for group health insurance plans was 83%, which falls in the “gold” level.
HHS offered additional guidance to states about the state exchanges last week.
The report also showed that 51% of individual plans they evaluated had an actuarial value of less than 60%, which is the bottom of the so-called bronze range that is one of four levels established by the Affordable Care Act. That bronze level has an actuarial value of between 60% and 69%. Group health plans, however, fared better. According to the study, the average actuarial value for group health insurance plans was 83%, which falls in the “gold” level.
HHS offered additional guidance to states about the state exchanges last week.
Agents Survive 2012 Louisiana Legislative Session
Louisiana's Legislative Session had the Agents of Louisiana fighting the health insurance carriers against two bills and one house resolution. Agents ask the health carriers and the House Insurance Committee for time to allow the Supreme Court to rule and the elections in November before going to the table and negotiating a change in the commission structure.
LAHU is currently looking for those interested individuals wanting to serve on a committee to investigate balance billing and will be coming to a city near you to start the discussion on agent compensation.
In another positive note, HB 989 passed passed by Representative Mike Huval that provides claims transparency. This bill followed Texas law and is headed to the Governor's desk for signature. Renee Baker of NFIB worked throughout the last year and a half to pass this legislation. I would like to also thank Senator Robert Adley, Danny Ford of NAIFA, Cheryl Tobert of LBGH and Mary Smith of IMA.
LAHU is currently looking for those interested individuals wanting to serve on a committee to investigate balance billing and will be coming to a city near you to start the discussion on agent compensation.
In another positive note, HB 989 passed passed by Representative Mike Huval that provides claims transparency. This bill followed Texas law and is headed to the Governor's desk for signature. Renee Baker of NFIB worked throughout the last year and a half to pass this legislation. I would like to also thank Senator Robert Adley, Danny Ford of NAIFA, Cheryl Tobert of LBGH and Mary Smith of IMA.
CMS Releases: Draft Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges - Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the approval process for Affordable Insurance Exchanges as set forth in the Draft Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges released by HHS on May 16, 2012.
Additionally, the Establishment Review process has been designed to support States as they work toward Exchange approval. States may submit documentation from HHS that confirms successful Establishment Review performance, in place of certain Blueprint required documentation.
Q1: My State is pursuing a State-based Exchange or a State Partnership Exchange for plan year 2014 (beginning on October 1, 2013). What do we need to do now?
A1: A State that intends to pursue a State-based Exchange or a State Partnership for 2014 should prepare to submit an Exchange Blueprint, which is comprised of two parts:- An Exchange Model Declaration Letter from your Governor; and
- An Application describing readiness to perform Exchange activities and functions.
Q2: My State is considering a Federally-facilitated Exchange. Is there anything we need to do?
A2: A Blueprint Application is not required. However, it is recommended that your Governor submit an Exchange Model Declaration Letter as described in the Exchange Blueprint. This will improve service to your residents by helping to ensure alignment between your existing State markets and the Federally-facilitated Exchange.Q3: What happens if my State does not submit a Declaration Letter to HHS about its decision to pursue an Exchange Model?
A3: If a State does not choose an Exchange model, HHS will assume that the State is not planning to operate as a State-based Exchange or a State Partnership Exchange. HHS will operate the Federally-facilitated Exchange in the State and will perform the Exchange-related programs of risk adjustment and reinsurance. Your State will work with the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services within CMS to determine whether the Federally-facilitated Exchange will make eligibility determinations or assessments for these programs.Q4: Are there any advantages for a State if it submits a Declaration Letter prior to the submission of its Exchange Blueprint?
A4: Yes. A State pursuing a State-based Exchange or a State Partnership Exchange will be offered an opportunity to consult with CMS staff to discuss the Application portion of the Blueprint (“Blueprint Consultation”) when its Model Declaration Letter is received, provided the letter is received at least 20 business days prior to the submission of the application. A Blueprint Consultation is optional; it provides a State with the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback on the preparation of the remainder of its Exchange Blueprint, prior to submission.Q5: Where can I find the Blueprint? Must the application be filed electronically?
A5: The Blueprint Declaration Letter must be submitted through an email to State.Exchange.Group@cms.hhs.gov, as well as mailed to CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO), 200 Independence Ave SW, Suite 739H, Washington, DC 20201. The Blueprint Application must be submitted electronically, and will be available on the State Exchange Resource and Virtual Information System (SERVIS), available at: Https://servis.cms.hhs.gov on September 14, 2012. The individual(s) designated by the Governor in the Model Declaration Letter may complete and electronically sign the application.Q6: When will approval of the Exchanges be granted by HHS?
A6: The Affordable Care Act directs HHS to make initial Exchange approval determinations no later than January 1, 2013, for Exchange operation in plan year 2014. However, States that submit their Blueprints early may receive an earlier determination. States seeking HHS approval to operate an Exchange for coverage years beginning after 2014 (e.g., plan year 2015 beginning on October 1, 2014), will submit a Model Declaration Letter and Blueprint in accordance with the same process and timeframes specified for States seeking to operate an Exchange, beginning January 1, 2014.Q7: What information is required for the Blueprint?
A7: States are asked to submit a compilation of attestations, descriptions of processes, supporting documentation and reference files. The State may be asked to provide additional information after the Blueprint has been submitted, as determined necessary by CMS. In addition to completing the Exchange Blueprint, HHS may conduct on-site or virtual Exchange assessments, as part of its verification of an Exchange’s operational readiness. HHS will use the results from a State’s Reference File submissions to determine the timing for a State’s operational readiness assessment. HHS will make an approval or conditional approval decision based on the documentation and the completed Exchange Blueprint.Additionally, the Establishment Review process has been designed to support States as they work toward Exchange approval. States may submit documentation from HHS that confirms successful Establishment Review performance, in place of certain Blueprint required documentation.
Q8: What are reference files?
A8: These are files and documentation that the State will submit to demonstrate its Exchange’s ability to perform a particular Exchange activity. Where noted, the State may attest to having received confirmation from HHS of successfully providing the relevant documentation as part of the Establishment Review. In such cases, the State does not need to upload the files, and HHS will confirm the State’s submitted files and documentation from the Establishment Review conducted during oversight of the § 1311(a) grants to ensure adequate compliance related to the activity. The following provides a description of the types of reference files that may be required:- Summary of results of State-developed testing: These summaries document comprehensive State-defined and executed system testing, including details of Exchange activities tested, the scope of testing activities conducted, and metrics detailing the results of that testing as they relate to each designated Exchange Blueprint requirement.
- Results of State execution of CMS-developed test scenarios: These scenarios will be developed by CMS to confirm implementation of those Exchange activities that require standardization across all State Exchanges. These scenarios will be released to a central Test Library on the Collaborative Application Lifecycle Tool (CALT).
- Summary of Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) of applicable system components: These reports by an independent third party provide verification and validation that designated Exchange activities are built and operating as designed and in compliance with documented requirements.
Q10: What standard will be used for approval of a State-based Exchange?
A10: HHS will approve a State-based Exchange if the Blueprint and any additional operational readiness testing demonstrate that the State-based Exchange has the ability to perform Exchange activities. HHS recognizes that States will be in various stages of the Exchange development lifecycle and that some systems-development and contracting activities associated with building an operational Exchange will need to occur in 2013. Therefore, HHS will consider approving a State-based Exchange with conditions to operate for plan year 2014.Q11: If my State cannot demonstrate that it meets all Exchange activity requirements, what will happen?
A11: HHS may Conditionally Approve an Exchange if the State can demonstrate that significant progress is being made on Exchange activities (listed in the Blueprint) at a pace that ensures that the State will have an operational Exchange by the initial open enrollment period (October 1, 2013).Q12: What does a State need to do if it receives a conditional approval of its Exchange?
A12: A State that receives a Conditional Approval of its Exchange will be expected to sign an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of its Conditional Approval determination. The agreement will include provision(s) that the Exchange adhere to monitoring reviews by HHS to ensure that the establishment of the Exchange continues to progress at a pace that will allow it to be operational for the initial open enrollment period. The frequency and focus of the monitoring reviews will depend upon the Exchange activities that remain outstanding. Technical assistance and systems testing will also provided in all States that receive Conditional Approval. In addition, HHS will approve a State to operate its Exchange once it has successfully completed an Operational Readiness assessment.Q13: How long can a State stay conditionally approved?
A13: A State Exchange will remain Conditionally Approved until it meets all Approval requirements.Q14: Can a State reference documents in its Blueprint that were submitted to CMS during the State’s Establishment Review?
A14: Yes. States that have received notification from CMS of their successful completion of portions of the Establishment Review may be able to reference the information as responses to certain sections of the Blueprint.Q15: If a State has questions about the Exchange Blueprint, who is the appropriate contact person?
A15: The State’s State Officer at the CCIIO is the point of contact for all questions related to the Exchange Blueprint submission. General questions may be directed to State.Exchange.Group@cms.hhs.govQ16: This version says “Draft” on it. Is the posted version of the Blueprint the actual Blueprint States will need to complete?
A16: As a part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this Blueprint is open for public comment. This comment period provides another opportunity for the public to provide input and recommendations regarding the accuracy of the time estimate and the burden created by the required information collection. Comments will be taken into consideration before the final Blueprint is posted later this summer. However, as this Blueprint reflects what is set forth under the law and its implementing regulations, we anticipate very few changes in substance or format and do not anticipate that the requirements for the Exchange Blueprint will change significantly. We also do not expect there to be additional burden placed on States to complete this information collection. The Blueprint may be modified in the future to reflect new guidance and rules. However, States should feel free to rely on this Blueprint for contracting and design purposes.Wednesday, March 14, 2012
US Congressman Bill Cassidy Hosts Townhall In Walker
WALKER, LA (WAFB) - If you're itching to hear political chatter, Congressman Bill Cassidy is holding a town hall meeting Wednesday afternoon in Walker.You can catch him from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Southern Pines Retirement Community on Minton Lane. You will be able to hear Cassidy's thoughts on Medicare, social security, the federal budget, job growth and other issues.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Red River AHU Hosts Legislative Meet and Greet
The Red River Association of Health Underwriters is hosting a Legislative Meet and Greet on Thursday, March 1, 2012, from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Silver Star Steakhouse in Bossier City.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Drozda to Lead LAHP
The Louisiana Association of Health Plans (LAHP), the state trade association for the health benefits industry, today announced that Jeff Drozda will join the association as chief executive officer beginning March 5. Drozda will be responsible for managing all activities of the association. These include advocating on behalf of the health benefits industry, coordinating legislative and regulatory activities, promoting membership, conducting educational events, coordinating workgroups and committees, overseeing communications, and managing the association’s administrative functions.Since 2008, Drozda has served as vice president of state government affairs for UnitedHealthcare. In this role, he has been responsible for legislative, political, and regulatory affairs in the southeastern U.S. covering Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. He has worked with governors, legislators, insurance commissioners and their staffs on key health care issues. Drozda also served for six years as a state senator of Indiana, where he represented over 135,000 citizens and served on numerous legislative committees, including the Senate Insurance Committee.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Supreme Court has announced it will allow a full six hours for oral arguments over constitutional challenges to President Obama's health care law, granting the case the longest hearing in recent history.The justices said Tuesday morning they would lengthen the hearing by an additional 30 minutes, after both the administration and parties challenging the law had asked the court to spend not 60 but 90 minutes on a tax law known as the Anti-Injunction Act.The question is whether the act stands in the way of judicial action on the challenge until after the health care law fully goes into effect.With the extra 30 minutes, the court is slated to spend 90 minutes on the Anti-Injunction Act, 120 minutes on the law's individual mandate that all Americans purchase health insurance, 90 minutes on whether just parts of the act can be invalidated while allowing other parts to stand, and an hour on the Medicaid expansion contained in the new law over a three-day period in March.If the justices decide the Anti-Injunction Act applies, they could put off a decision on whether the health care law is constitutional for several years.Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Today, providing Mr. Peter Gwynn Sackson with the results from all of the hard work the LAHU Think Tank on Exchanges worked the last year on.Peter Gwynn Sackson is the Legislative Expert from US Senator Mary Landrieu's office.
With the decision of Governor Jindal to not have a Louisiana Exchange and the scare of the Federal Government creating one for us, Senator Landrieu's office has reach out to us to see if we would like to be at the table to create the Federal Exchange. Of course.... I said yes!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Consumer Groups HAVE it WRONG!
My email:
Ronnell,
Thank you for writing to us. We understand your concern and we recognize
the value that you and other brokers bring to consumers.
However, many consumers also need better value in their health insurance.
We strongly believe that the Medical Loss Ratio rule, as currently enacted,
allows insurers to increase value while continuing to pay brokers fair
compensation. If there are cuts to brokers compensation, that is the insurance
company's decision.
Additionally, removing broker compensation from the calculation would not
ensure that health insurance companies maintain broker compensation at a given
level, the proposed legislation would simply remove producer compensation from
the equation and take the heat off of insurers to increase value.
Furthermore, there are numerous insurers that currently meet the 80% MLR
standard.
As you might have noticed in the messaging of our action alert, we see this
as an attempt by insurers to keep business as usual. Ultimately, we have a
responsibility to consumers who tell us regularly that costs are their number
one concern. We have to look at the potential loss of refunds or lower premiums
for consumers and we see these bills as a bad deal for small businesses and
people who buy coverage on their own.
Again, thank you for writing to us.
Regards,
Blake
M. Blake Hutson
Office: (512) 651-2926
Ronnell Nolan
I am sorry, but I had to address your grassroots campaign to undermine HR 1206
and S 2068. Do you realize that the bill is referring to Agents and Brokers?
The small businesses of the Nation, that do not work for insurance companies,
but indeed work for consumers. That consumers will lose without the help and
direction of the Agents and Brokers. That Agents and Brokers make on average 5%
for all of the services we provide to the consumers of the United States. Our
commissions are included in the premium and merely a pass through and SHOULD NOT
and ARE NOT administrative charges. In Louisiana, we have 10,000 licensed
Agents in Louisiana, where do you propose they work, when you put them out of
business??
and S 2068. Do you realize that the bill is referring to Agents and Brokers?
The small businesses of the Nation, that do not work for insurance companies,
but indeed work for consumers. That consumers will lose without the help and
direction of the Agents and Brokers. That Agents and Brokers make on average 5%
for all of the services we provide to the consumers of the United States. Our
commissions are included in the premium and merely a pass through and SHOULD NOT
and ARE NOT administrative charges. In Louisiana, we have 10,000 licensed
Agents in Louisiana, where do you propose they work, when you put them out of
business??
The response:
Ronnell,
Thank you for writing to us. We understand your concern and we recognize
the value that you and other brokers bring to consumers.
However, many consumers also need better value in their health insurance.
We strongly believe that the Medical Loss Ratio rule, as currently enacted,
allows insurers to increase value while continuing to pay brokers fair
compensation. If there are cuts to brokers compensation, that is the insurance
company's decision.
Additionally, removing broker compensation from the calculation would not
ensure that health insurance companies maintain broker compensation at a given
level, the proposed legislation would simply remove producer compensation from
the equation and take the heat off of insurers to increase value.
Furthermore, there are numerous insurers that currently meet the 80% MLR
standard.
As you might have noticed in the messaging of our action alert, we see this
as an attempt by insurers to keep business as usual. Ultimately, we have a
responsibility to consumers who tell us regularly that costs are their number
one concern. We have to look at the potential loss of refunds or lower premiums
for consumers and we see these bills as a bad deal for small businesses and
people who buy coverage on their own.
Again, thank you for writing to us.
Regards,
Blake
M. Blake Hutson
Office: (512) 651-2926
Ronnell Nolan
Friday, February 17, 2012
American College offer's Classes on HealthCare Reform!
DEFINITIVE EDUCATION
ON HEALTHCARE REFORM
Get the Information You Need to Know With healthcare reform moving ahead and the Supreme Court considering challenges in 2012. Timely information is more important for your practice than ever.
Essentials of Healthcare Reform (HS 345) and The Healthcare Consultant (HS 346) -- two popular new 10-week webinar courses from The American College -- are the sources professionals trust to stay current in this important field.
These courses have consistently sold out since their introduction early last year, and there are limited places remaining for the classes starting in April 2012.Essentials of Healthcare Reform — HS 345 April 17th at 2 pm The Healthcare Consultant — HS 346April 19th at 2 pm
Essentials of Healthcare Reform (HS 345) includes a year's worth of informational updates at no additional cost, so you know your information will be up to the minute. Both courses earn credits toward the groundbreaking Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ (ChHC™) designation.
Register now before these classes sell out!
or call 888.795.6306
ON HEALTHCARE REFORM
Get the Information You Need to Know With healthcare reform moving ahead and the Supreme Court considering challenges in 2012. Timely information is more important for your practice than ever.
Essentials of Healthcare Reform (HS 345) and The Healthcare Consultant (HS 346) -- two popular new 10-week webinar courses from The American College -- are the sources professionals trust to stay current in this important field.
These courses have consistently sold out since their introduction early last year, and there are limited places remaining for the classes starting in April 2012.Essentials of Healthcare Reform — HS 345 April 17th at 2 pm The Healthcare Consultant — HS 346April 19th at 2 pm
Essentials of Healthcare Reform (HS 345) includes a year's worth of informational updates at no additional cost, so you know your information will be up to the minute. Both courses earn credits toward the groundbreaking Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ (ChHC™) designation.
Register now before these classes sell out!
or call 888.795.6306
Jefferson Parish Agree's to Pull Resolution!
Thanks to the grassroots efforts of LAHU, we have received an email confirming the resolution will be pulled and the legislation tabled!
Oppose Direct Purchase of Insurance and Rebates to Public Entities
Please Contact the Jefferson
Parish Council - Oppose Direct Purchase of Insurance and Rebates to Public
Entities
Our Sister Assocation, the Big I has asked that
we join them in a grassroots campaign to stop legislation that would allow
purchasing without an Agent!
As per below and
attached, the Jefferson Parish Council recently passed a resolution supporting
legislation to allow all political subdivisions in the state of Louisiana to
purchase insurance directly from insurance companies without an agent, and to
authorize rebates of insurance commissions from insurance agents to public
entities. Please keep in mind that the proposed legislation is not limited
to Jefferson Parish, this legislation would affect every insurance policy with
every public entity in the state of Louisiana.
IIABL strongly
opposes this proposed legislation. If such legislation is introduced in the 2012
Session of the Louisiana Legislature, IIABL will oppose such legislation in the
strongest possible terms.
However, the first
chance we have to beat this legislation is to lobby the Jefferson Parish Council
to withdraw their support and promotion of the bill before it gets filed.
Please contact the
members of the Jefferson Parish Council and express your strong opposition to
Council Resolution 118307, Adopted January 25, 2012.
Please ask the
members of the Jefferson Parish Council to repeal this resolution and not to
support the direct purchase of insurance without an agent, or rebating of
insurance commissions from insurance agents to public entities.
Please remind the
Jefferson Parish Council that insurance agents helped Jefferson Parish pass
compromise legislation last year that allows Jefferson Parish to negotiate
reasonable compensation for insurance agents, but cutting insurance agents out
entirely is not fair.
Contact information
for the members of the Jefferson Parish Council is found below:
Christopher
L. Roberts, Councilman-at-Large, Division A,
ChrisRoberts@JeffParish.net
Deano
Bonano, Assistant (East Bank), DBonano@JeffParish.net
Brett
J. Lawson, Assistant (West Bank), BJLawson@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1016, Yenni / Phone: 736-6615 Fax: 731-4646
West
Bank:
Suite 6200, GGB / Phone: 364-2616 Fax: 364-3499
Elton
M. Lagasse, Councilman-at-Large, Division B,
EltonLagasse@JeffParish.net
Angela
Callais, Assistant (East Bank), ACallais@JeffParish.net
Robin
Daldegan, Assistant (West Bank), RDaldegan@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1018, Yenni / Phone: 736-6016 Fax: 736-6598
West
Bank:
Suite 6200, GGB / Phone: 364-2624 Fax: 364-2657
Ricky
J. Templet, Councilman, District 1,
RickyTemplet@JeffParish.net
Tony
Digerolamo, Assistant, TDigerolamo@JeffParish.net
West
Bank:
Suite 6400, GGB / Phone: 364-2607 Fax: 364-2615
Paul
D. Johnston, Councilman, District 2,
PaulJohnston@JeffParish.net
Bryan
St. Cyr, Assistant, BSTCyr@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1013, Yenni / Phone: 736-6607 Fax: 731-4433
West
Bank:
Suite 6300, GGB / Phone: 364-3446 Fax: 364-3417
Mark
D. Spears, Jr., Councilman, District 3,
MarkSpears@JeffParish.net
Casey
Jumpiere, Assistant, CJumpiere@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1011, Yenni / Phone: 736-6591 Fax: 736-6598
West
Bank:
Suite 6500, GGB / Phone: 364-2603 Fax: 364-3704
E."Ben"
Zahn, III, Councilman, District 4,
BenZahn@JeffParish.net
Jeff
Zapata, Assistant, JZapata@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1015, Yenni / Phone: 736-6622 Fax: 736-6639
Cynthia
Lee-Sheng, Councilwoman, District 5,
CynthiaLeeSheng@JeffParish.net
Rob
Hinyub, Jr., Assistant, RHinyub@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1014, Yenni / Phone: 736-6634 Fax: 736-6632
Eula
Lopez, Parish Council Clerk
West
Bank:
Phone: 364-2626 Fax: 364-2633
East
Bank Council Address
Joseph
S. Yenni Building
1221
Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson,
LA 70123-2337
Receptionist:
736-6600
West
Bank Council Address
General
Government Building
200
Derbigny Street, 6th Floor
Gretna,
LA 70053-5850
Receptionist:
364-2600
Parish Council - Oppose Direct Purchase of Insurance and Rebates to Public
Entities
Our Sister Assocation, the Big I has asked that
we join them in a grassroots campaign to stop legislation that would allow
purchasing without an Agent!
As per below and
attached, the Jefferson Parish Council recently passed a resolution supporting
legislation to allow all political subdivisions in the state of Louisiana to
purchase insurance directly from insurance companies without an agent, and to
authorize rebates of insurance commissions from insurance agents to public
entities. Please keep in mind that the proposed legislation is not limited
to Jefferson Parish, this legislation would affect every insurance policy with
every public entity in the state of Louisiana.
IIABL strongly
opposes this proposed legislation. If such legislation is introduced in the 2012
Session of the Louisiana Legislature, IIABL will oppose such legislation in the
strongest possible terms.
However, the first
chance we have to beat this legislation is to lobby the Jefferson Parish Council
to withdraw their support and promotion of the bill before it gets filed.
Please contact the
members of the Jefferson Parish Council and express your strong opposition to
Council Resolution 118307, Adopted January 25, 2012.
Please ask the
members of the Jefferson Parish Council to repeal this resolution and not to
support the direct purchase of insurance without an agent, or rebating of
insurance commissions from insurance agents to public entities.
Please remind the
Jefferson Parish Council that insurance agents helped Jefferson Parish pass
compromise legislation last year that allows Jefferson Parish to negotiate
reasonable compensation for insurance agents, but cutting insurance agents out
entirely is not fair.
Contact information
for the members of the Jefferson Parish Council is found below:
Christopher
L. Roberts, Councilman-at-Large, Division A,
ChrisRoberts@JeffParish.net
Deano
Bonano, Assistant (East Bank), DBonano@JeffParish.net
Brett
J. Lawson, Assistant (West Bank), BJLawson@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1016, Yenni / Phone: 736-6615 Fax: 731-4646
West
Bank:
Suite 6200, GGB / Phone: 364-2616 Fax: 364-3499
Elton
M. Lagasse, Councilman-at-Large, Division B,
EltonLagasse@JeffParish.net
Angela
Callais, Assistant (East Bank), ACallais@JeffParish.net
Robin
Daldegan, Assistant (West Bank), RDaldegan@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1018, Yenni / Phone: 736-6016 Fax: 736-6598
West
Bank:
Suite 6200, GGB / Phone: 364-2624 Fax: 364-2657
Ricky
J. Templet, Councilman, District 1,
RickyTemplet@JeffParish.net
Tony
Digerolamo, Assistant, TDigerolamo@JeffParish.net
West
Bank:
Suite 6400, GGB / Phone: 364-2607 Fax: 364-2615
Paul
D. Johnston, Councilman, District 2,
PaulJohnston@JeffParish.net
Bryan
St. Cyr, Assistant, BSTCyr@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1013, Yenni / Phone: 736-6607 Fax: 731-4433
West
Bank:
Suite 6300, GGB / Phone: 364-3446 Fax: 364-3417
Mark
D. Spears, Jr., Councilman, District 3,
MarkSpears@JeffParish.net
Casey
Jumpiere, Assistant, CJumpiere@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1011, Yenni / Phone: 736-6591 Fax: 736-6598
West
Bank:
Suite 6500, GGB / Phone: 364-2603 Fax: 364-3704
E."Ben"
Zahn, III, Councilman, District 4,
BenZahn@JeffParish.net
Jeff
Zapata, Assistant, JZapata@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1015, Yenni / Phone: 736-6622 Fax: 736-6639
Cynthia
Lee-Sheng, Councilwoman, District 5,
CynthiaLeeSheng@JeffParish.net
Rob
Hinyub, Jr., Assistant, RHinyub@JeffParish.net
East
Bank:
Suite 1014, Yenni / Phone: 736-6634 Fax: 736-6632
Eula
Lopez, Parish Council Clerk
West
Bank:
Phone: 364-2626 Fax: 364-2633
East
Bank Council Address
Joseph
S. Yenni Building
1221
Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson,
LA 70123-2337
Receptionist:
736-6600
West
Bank Council Address
General
Government Building
200
Derbigny Street, 6th Floor
Gretna,
LA 70053-5850
Receptionist:
364-2600
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