Congress, administration urged to fund Marketplace cost-sharing reductions now

Eight organizations, including the AHA, today urged Senate and administration leaders to quickly fund cost-sharing reduction payments through 2018. “We recognize and understand the Senate is working on legislation that includes provisions intended to promote short-term stability in the individual market,” the organizations wrote. “However, in light of 2018 filing deadlines, most of which fall on or before the June 21st deadline for federally facilitated marketplaces, health plans have only a few more weeks to decide whether and how to participate in this market. In several states, the deadline to file products and initial rates has already passed. Earlier this week, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners again expressed grave concerns to congressional leaders about the impact of CSR funding uncertainty. Simply put, continued uncertainty, particularly the lack of clarity around CSR payments, has led several insurers to conclude that they cannot participate for 2018. Those who will participate are responding to the market uncertainty with premium requests that are as much as 60% higher than last year.” In addition to AHA, the letter’s signers include America’s Health Insurance Plans, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Benefits Council, American Medical Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Federation of American Hospitals, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.