Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
In Politically Charged Year, Democrats Talk Up Expanded Government Role In Health Care
The Wall Street Journal: Health Law Is Back As Campaign Issue—This Time For Democrats
Republicans have often won support in recent elections by promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This year, Democrats hope to turn the tables by pushing the opposite goal—not just keeping the health law, but expanding government’s role in health care. The tactic, which carries political risk as well as opportunity, is playing out in places such as Minnesota, a state won narrowly by Hillary Clinton in 2016 that is facing a governor’s race, two Senate contests and five close House races. Democrats need to gain 23 House seats to retake the chamber, so the state is critical. (Armour and Epstein, 5/11)
WBUR: The Individual Mandate Lives On In Mass. Here's A Look Ahead
In short, health insurance is still required for all Americans, with some exemptions, through the end of 2018. The federal penalty then drops to $0. But in 2019 and beyond, Massachusetts residents will continue to pay a penalty if they don't have creditable coverage, because the individual mandate remains state law. (Bebinger, 5/11)
In other health law news —
Modern Healthcare: Heading For The Exit: Rather Than Face Risk, Many ACOs Could Leave
Under Obama-era regulations, ACOs that started in Track 1 in either 2012 or 2013 are supposed to move to a risk-based model by the third contract period, which begins next year. There are 561 Medicare ACOs this year, 82% of which are in Track 1. Leaving the Medicare Shared Savings Program has consequences, especially for an ACO like Chautauqua whose doctors don't have enough Medicare patients on their own to take part in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System created under MACRA. That means they won't be part of any value-based care initiatives. (Dickson, 5/12)
Richmond Times-Dispatch: While They May Be Cheaper, Short-Term Health Plans Offer Skimpy Benefits
Those who don’t get subsidies — which protect people with lower incomes from the rising costs on the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges — might welcome the proposed regulations by President Donald Trump’s administration to make short-term health plans a more viable option by letting people buy them for a year rather than just a few months. But while they may come with a smaller cost, they don’t come with much else. (O'Connor, 5/13)
