The ACA issue concerns the majority of Americans at the present time. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a 408-page proposed 2023 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters on December 28, 2021 (Keith, 2021). Along with a press release, fact sheet, payment parameter guidance, a new technical paper on potential risk adjustment model changes, and a new report from the Office of the Assistant Secretary were published (Keith, 2021). However, the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic also deserve attention and require some explanation with the available data.
Such complex tendency includes new federal network adequacy standards, heightened standards for the inclusion of essential community providers in provider networks, new web-broker display standards, user fees, program integrity, and oversight. Moreover, it additionally requests comments on health equity, climate health, and re-considering COVID-19 regulations, among other things (Keith, 2021). Furthermore, new programs were established to aid the social groups impacted by the above-mentioned pandemic, assuring the increase of healthcare places for those who suffer the illness’s heavy form (Federal Register, 2022). Thus, after explaining the main direction of changes in ACA, more specific information can be presented.
HHS did not include a suggested premium adjustment percentage or other associated criteria. In the 2023 payment notice, as required by a previous regulation, the organization instead published advice that outlines these factors for the 2023 plan year (Federal Register, 2022). HHS estimated the premium adjustment percentage using the most current National Health Expenditure Account income and premium data (Federal Register, 2022). Based on the information provided, I can assure you that all the necessary adjustments are being made to detect significant changes as soon as possible. If necessary, you may contact me for a consultation through an assistant, and we will discuss any concerns you may have about the situation regarding ACA and COVID-19. As a result, the consequences of such decision may be unclear but are important to be considered in the long run and discussed with the staff.
In conclusion, it is essential to note that this memo draws attention to the problem mentioned above. The purpose is to review the situation and await further information with more specific data. Moreover, the reasons and consequences of the decisions made concerning health insurance will be analyzed due to the statistics received, which are not available for this period. However, by paying attention to this situation and COVID-19, one can better prepare for future situations.
References
Keith, K. (2021). Proposed 2023 payment rule, part 2: Standard plans and other exchange provisions. Health Affairs Forefront.
Federal Register. (2022). Patient protection and affordable care act; HHS notice of benefit and payment parameters for 2023.