The Benefits Brief

Latest Episodes:

NAHU Submits Responses to CMS Medicare RFI Sep 02, 2022

Show notes

NAHU responded to a request for information from CMS this week regarding the Medicare Advantage program. Specifically, CMS is seeking comments on how the agency can strengthen Medicare Advantage in ways that align with CMS’ strategic plan. We submitted two responses to this RFI – one earlier this month focused solely on the new Medicare marketing rule and one focused on other aspects of Medicare and Medicare Advantage. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner talks about our responses and how youcan help us delay implementation of the marketing rule!

Biden Administration Releases Third Surprise-Billing Rule and "TiC" Guidance Aug 26, 2022

Show notes

The Biden administration issued a new final rule regarding the implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 – specifically the law’s surprise-billing ban, as well as certain transparency provisions. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which passed almost two years ago now, banned the practice of balance billing and put into place consumer protections so that patients are no longer saddled with a surprise bill. However, the implementation of this law and specifically the independent dispute resolution process that deals with out-of-network bills, has been subject to scrutiny and provider-backed lawsuits. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the new rule and what it means moving forward.

What Is Site-Neutral Payment Reform and How Does it Affect You? Aug 19, 2022

Show notes

The president signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law earlier this week. We covered the relevant provisions of this new law on last week’s edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour, so if you are interested in learning more about the healthcare components included in that package, please listen to last week’s episode! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guest Heather Meade, principal at Washington Council Ernest and Young and adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, to raise a topic that we have yet to discuss on the podcast – site-neutral payment reform.

What’s in the Final Version of Democrats’ Reconciliation Package? Aug 12, 2022

Show notes

After over a year of deliberation, Senate Democrats’ reconciliation bill – now titled the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – passed the Senate last weekend 51-50, with every Democrat on board and Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tiebreaking vote. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU lobbyists John Greene and Chris Hartmann are here to discuss the version of the bill that passed the Senate (and is now being considered by the House), how NAHU was successful in ensuring a number of harmful provisions did not make it into that last version, and where we go from here.

Primary Results Shape 2022 Midterm Election Outlook Aug 05, 2022

Show notes

We are now less than 100 days until the 2022 midterm elections in November. With every House seat contested and some key Senate seats contested, this year’s midterms are as important as ever. In June we discussed a host of primary elections that helped shape what November’s elections will look like. This week, there were more primaries across six states. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy Buckner and Chris Hartmann are here to break down the most competitive primary results and provide an overview of what could happen come November.

ACA Faces New Legal Challenge Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

There is a new legal challenge to the ACA in Texas. No, you’re not having déjà vu – there is another legal challenge coming out of Texas, specifically challenging the ACA’s preventative care mandate. HHS also released a proposed rule this week that would revise Section 1557 of the ACA – the nondiscrimination portion of the healthcare law. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner is back to discuss these legal and regulatory developments.

Reconciliation Talks Resume with Focus on Prescription Drugs, ACA Subsidies Jul 22, 2022

Show notes

The Build Back Better Act, the reconciliation package that Democrats have been trying to piece together for the better part of a year, may finally have legs – and may end up containing only a few, specific healthcare provisions, both of which are relevant to NAHU. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU Vice Presidents of Congressional Affairs Chris Hartmann and John Greene are back on the pod to discuss the most recent developments in Build Back Better and its new possibility of passage.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! NAHU Releases Summer 2022 Federal Priorities Jul 15, 2022

Show notes

The House will begin its annual August Recess on August 1, with the Senate joining them one week later on August 8. Throughout the month of August, members of Congress are back in their home states and districts. That makes August the perfect time to schedule a meeting with your legislator! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU lobbyists John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss August recess appointments and our Summer 2022 talking points that will assist you in those meetings.

Supreme Court Issues Decision in Abortion Rights Case Jul 08, 2022

Show notes

We hope everyone had an excellent Fourth of July weekend, and we hope all those who attended NAHU’s Annual Convention enjoyed themselves! On June 24, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey’s previously established constitutional right to abortion access. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the implications of the Dobbs decision on ERISA, employee benefits, state laws and more.

NAHU Submits Comments on Proposed Rule Establishing New Medicare Special Enrollment Periods Jun 24, 2022

Show notes

It’s almost time for NAHU’s Annual Convention! But, before we see your bright smiling faces in Austin, there is some regulatory news to discuss! This week, NAHU submitted comments to CMS in response to a proposed rule released in April that makes policy changes to the Medicare enrollment process, among other important changes. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s John Greene discusses our comment letter to the administration. Additionally, we discuss how you can complete your Medicare Advantage training with NAHU.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Benefits Brief

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6