ACA Round-Up: CMS Acts To Aid Hurricane Victims; Oklahoma Withdraws 1332 Wavier Application; And More

On September 29, 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced several measures that it is taking with respect to federal health care programs to aid people affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Several of these measures that will affect people who are covered or eligible for coverage through the Federally Facilitated Exchange (FFE) will be covered here. CMS also announced steps it is taking with respect to the Medicare program, including creating special Medicare enrollment periods and other public health emergency measures. Individuals who experienced an event that would have qualified them for a special enrollment period (SEP) between the 60 days prior to the start of an incident period designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and December 31, 2017, but were unable to complete the application and plan selection process because they were affected by a hurricane-related weather event in 2017, will be eligible for an additional 60-day exceptional circumstances SEP. Individuals who qualify for an SEP directly caused by the hurricanes, for example a move to a new area, may also take advantage of the extended exceptional circumstances SEP. Finally, individuals residing in or moving from affected areas will be eligible for an exceptional circumstances SEP that will extend the 2018 open enrollment period through December 31, 2017. CMS will continue to consider if enrollment dates for people affected by the hurricanes should be extended beyond ...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Following the ACA Insurance and Coverage 1332 waivers Hurricane Harvey Hurricane Irma Hurricane Maria special enrollment periods state marketplaces Source Type: blogs