Idaho’s Insistence That CMS Didn’t Reject Its Plan To Skirt Health Law Raises Speculation Of Behind-The-Scenes Talks
Critics wonder if Idaho is negotiating with the Trump administration on a compromise closer to short-term plans. "I'm at a loss to explain Idaho's thought process at this point," said Eliot Fishman, senior director of health policy at the liberal Families USA. "[CMS Administrator Seema] Verma's letter was a pretty direct and public statement. It's not clear they have anywhere to go with this."
Modern Healthcare:
Behind Their Defiance, Idaho Officials May Be Pressing CMS For Renewable Short-Term Plans
Idaho state officials insist that the CMS' rejection last week of their effort to let insurers sell health plans that don't comply with the Affordable Care Act's coverage mandates was not a rejection. That position has both ACA supporters and critics scratching their heads. Observers are wondering if behind the scenes, Idaho officials are negotiating with the Trump administration to meld their proposal for cheaper, leaner individual-market plans with the administration's proposed rule to let insurers offer short-term products for up to 364 days. The key issue may be adding some form of guaranteed renewability for short-term plans. (Meyer, 3/12)
In other health law news —
Reuters:
Judge Rejects Massachusetts Challenge To Trump Birth Control Rules
A federal judge on Monday rejected a lawsuit by Massachusetts' attorney general challenging new rules by President Donald Trump's administration that make it easier for employers to avoid providing insurance that covers women's birth control. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston dismissed a lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey that sought to block rules that provide exemptions from an Obamacare mandate requiring such coverage on moral or religious grounds. (Raymond, 3/12)
The Hill:
Insurer Credits GOP Tax Law For New Commitment To ObamaCare
A health insurer in Alaska and Washington State is crediting the Republican tax law for its decision to participate in ObamaCare markets next year. Premera Blue Cross said in a statement Monday that because of a one-time refund the company is getting under the GOP law, it will be able to make new commitments. (Sullivan, 3/12)
