The effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains in limbo as Congress starts a two-week recess break. Over the past couple of weeks in D.C., several attempts have been made to bridge the chasm between conservative and moderate House members, but with no success. The most recent proposals floating around would allow states to seek a waiver of three ACA insurance regulations:
- Guaranteed issue, which requires insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions;
- Community rating, which prohibits insurers from charging sick people more for coverage; and
- Essential health benefits, which mandates which services insurers must cover.
Republicans also proposed creating a $15 billion pool of funds that insurers could access to help cover the costs of sick, expensive patients. Congress reconvenes April 24, when the most pressing task will be funding the government through September. Click here to read more in from Inside D.C. (Chelene Whiteaker)
