12 Nov AAHIVM Urges HHS to Prevent Discrimination Against Patients in ACA Plans
AAHIVM is one of 197 organizations that are part of the I Am Essential coalition urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell to better define and address discriminatory insurance benefit design in the final rule to implement Sec. 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is charged with protecting beneficiaries against discrimination in health programs.
In the I Am Essential coalition’s comment letter, the patient groups note that while the proposed rule does define discriminatory practices by insurance plans for certain individuals, it does not adequately address these practices for all beneficiaries, particularly those with serious and chronic health conditions. Therefore, large populations are still subject to plan designs that impede access to treatments and medications by charging high coinsurance, instituting specialty tiering for all medications to treat certain conditions, and engaging in other practices that limit patient access. Ultimately, these unfair plan designs are burdensome to patients and have the potential to disproportionately harm patients who rely on prescription medications and other health services.
Additionally, the groups urge HHS and Office for Civil Rights to immediately begin enforcing the law and act on reports or complaints of discrimination.
The full text of the letter to HHS Secretary Burwell, along with the full list of signers can be viewed here.
About AAHIVM
The American Academy of HIV Medicine is a professional organization that supports the HIV practitioners and promotes accessible, quality care for all Americans living with HIV disease. Our membership of HIV practitioners and credentialed providers give direct care to more than three-fourths of HIV patients in the US.
For more information, Contact:
Amber McCracken
amber@aahivm.org
701-599-0134
For more information, Contact:
Amber McCracken
amber@aahivm.org
701-599-0134