Tag Archives: affordable care act

In December 2011, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a bulletin on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB), an important component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (see 12/21/11 blog posting).   This week, NASW submitted its comments (see here) on DHHS’ proposed approach.  NASW made a strong appeal for a comprehensive, uniform set of national health benefits, ... Read More »

Health Action 2012, the conference for consumer health advocates, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC from January 19-21, 2012. Health Action 2012 is sponsored by Families USA and NASW has been a regular cosponsor and attendee at the conference. Health Action 2012 will provide advocates from across the country with the knowledge ... Read More »

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two important announcements related to the Affordable Care Act this week. Thirty-two health care organizations from around the country were selected to participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACOs) Program.  The Pioneer ACO program was designed for organizations with experience operating in ACO-like arrangements.  These 32 health care organizations will ... Read More »

In a surprise move last Friday, HHS released a bulletin announcing its intention to let states determine the scope of essential health benefits to be established under the Affordable Care Act.  The  Essential Health Benefits Package (EHB) forms the basis for insurance coverage offered through the state-based “exchanges,” when they become operational in 2014.  The EHB will determine health care ... Read More »

Please join Mayra Alvarez, Director of Public Health Policy, Office of Health Reform and Mara Vanderslice Kelly, Acting Director of the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, for a conference call tour in Spanish of CuidadoDeSalud.gov, the first website in Spanish to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a ... Read More »

On November 9, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Affordable Care Act as constitutional. The ruling stated that the individual insurance mandate in the law is valid and within Congress’ Constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It is the fifth time the law was upheld. To read more, go to:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/health/policy/appeals-court-upholds-health-care-law.html While two courts ... Read More »

A Conference Call Series Discussing the Benefits and Provisions of the Affordable Care Act Hosted By the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for  Faith and Community Leaders  Please RSVP by choosing from the dates below. Nov. 1 at 12:30 pm ET Nov. 8 at 3:00 pm ET (With special focus on the Affordable Care Act and Behavioral Health) ... Read More »

NASW Sends Letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction NASW recently sent a letter to the recently appointed 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction who will make recommendations on ways to increase revenues while reducing the deficit.  The Super Committee will determine which programs, both military and domestic, that will be included in a ... Read More »

The 2010 Affordable Care Act created a new category of health care provider – the accountable care organization (ACO).  ACOs represent a paradigm shift from traditional fee-for-service health care.  These organizations will receive financial incentives to improve the coordination and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, while reducing costs.  The emergence of ACOs reflects the health care industry’s shift toward ... Read More »

Six Months of the Affordable Care Act: Guest Blogger, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Read More »