House Democrats ask treasury to help domestic violence victims get health subsidies

Advocates for domestic violence victims and chronically ill people urge the Obama administration to issue rules enabling them to enroll in subsidized insurance. Meanwhile, doctors say they shouldn't be left holding the bag for new health plan enrollees who have 90-day grace periods.

CQ HealthBeat: Treasury Urged to Help Domestic Violence Victims Qualify for Health Care Subsidies
Seventy-five House Democrats urged the Treasury Department on Monday to promptly issue guidance that would allow victims of domestic abuse who file tax returns separately from their spouses to receive the full amount of the health care law's subsidies for which they would otherwise qualify. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, the lawmakers expressed concern that those victims cannot fully access the overhaul's benefits and that some confront unique obstacles in qualifying for lower premiums (Attias, 3/17).

CQ HealthBeat: Patient Advocates Still Want More Enforcement of Non-Discrimination Provision
Some patients' groups remain concerned that the Obama administration is not doing enough to prevent insurers from discriminating against people with serious health needs after federal officials released a letter to insurers Friday evening that did not make major changes to an earlier proposal addressing non-discrimination. Advocates are particularly concerned that insurers may be trying to discourage sick people from enrolling in their plans by charging high prices for certain prescription drugs (Adams, 3/17).

Modern Healthcare: Reform Update: Doctors Urge CMS To Issue Rule On Premium Grace Period
The Obama administration and the CMS recently issued a flood of new regulations implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. But health care providers are saying at least one more rule is needed (Robeznieks, 3/17).

The New York Times: New Health Law Is Sending Many Back To School
Key provisions of the law, including the requirement that most people obtain health insurance and the creation of online insurance marketplaces where individuals can buy insurance, are leading to new policies and practices down the line. Confusion has inevitably ensued. But that could mean career opportunities for professionals with the best and most current understanding of the law and the way it is being put into practice (Korkki, 3/17).