HHS released three proposed rules Aug. 12 on establishing Affordable Insurance Exchanges (AIEs) as part of a team effort with the U.S Treasury department to increase patient access to care, according to a CMS news release.
Remember: AIEs were created by health reform and will begin coverage in 2014. To date, HHS has granted $185 million to 13 states and Washington, D.C. to go toward constructing AIEs.
“Today we’re laying the foundation to provide tax incentives to help working families purchase health insurance,” said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. “This new tax credit brings us a big step closer to achieving one of the signature goals of the Affordable Care Act – to provide tens of millions of Americans with access to affordable health insurance coverage.”
Here’s a short breakdown of the three proposed rules:
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Easy, Simple Access to Coverage for Consumers and Small Businesses: New rules will make it easy for consumers to enroll in high-quality health plans and get help paying for health coverage through premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions. Small employers participating in the Small Business Health Options Program will be able to offer their employees a choice of health plans and cut their costs with new tax credits.
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Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit: Individuals and families will receive premium tax credits to help defray insurance costs, increasing access to health coverage for millions of middle class American families.”
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Medicaid Eligibility: Coordinating the Exchange with Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program eligibility will make enrollment seamless for qualified Americans and reduce the administrative burden on states.
HHS is seeking comment on these proposed rules. To submit your comments please go to www.regulation.gov.