Policy Corner: May 17, 2019

House Agrees to Measures to Improve Access to Insurance Exchanges

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 987, the MORE Health Education Act, that will require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct outreach and educational activities regarding federally-facilitated exchanges (i.e., health insurance exchanges that are established and operated within states by HHS). The activities must inform potential enrollees of the availability of coverage and related financial assistance under the exchanges and must be provided in culturally and linguistically appropriate formats. The bill provides states with funding to establish their own State-Based Marketplaces to make health care more affordable. H.R. 987 will also reverse the Administration’s regulation to expand junk insurance plans, known as short-term limited duration health insurance, which do not have to meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with regard to pre-existing conditions; benefits such as rehabilitation, mental health, and substance abuse treatment; and can have arbitrary dollar limits for health care services. The bill was introduced by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).

During the debate on H.R. 987, Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) also spoke about the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. He explained that H.R. 987 brings together seven bills that passed the Energy and Commerce Committee last month. The first proposal would address a practice where a first time generic is blocking the approval of other generics from entering the market. The second proposal prohibits the use of pay-for-delay agreements between brand and generic drug manufacturers that delay generic entry into the market. And finally, the third drug pricing measure would address situations where some brand drug companies are delaying or impeding generic entry by denying generic drug manufacturers access to samples or to single-shared system REMS.

Two of the proposals he addressed will restore funding for the Navigator program and outreach and enrollment efforts that help provide consumers with the support and information they need to make the right health care decisions for their families.

House Committee to Discuss Competitive Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

The House Committee on Education and Labor has scheduled a hearing, “Eliminating Barriers to Employment: Opening Doors to Opportunity,” in keeping with the purpose of H.R. 873, the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act. The hearing will be held May 21, 2019. The purpose of the proposed legislation is to increase competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities and to ensure that workers with disabilities who are employed in integrated and non-integrated settings are paid at least minimum wage by gradually phasing out the 14c subminimum wage program over six years.

Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Car Safety Technology

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) and the Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC) Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill) announced this week that the CPC Subcommittee will hold a hearing on technology to make cars safer. The hearing will be held Thursday, May 23, and is entitled, “Summer Driving Dangers: Exploring Ways to Protect Drivers and Their Families.”

“As summer approaches, we’re reminded that road trips and rising temperatures too often lead to more crashes, injuries, and deaths, including deaths of children unintentionally left in hot cars. However, technologies are available right now that can dramatically decrease the number of vehicle-related deaths and injuries,” Pallone and Schakowsky said. “While we look toward a future of self-driving cars, we should not forget about the lifesaving technology available right now. We look forward to discussing how to expand the availability and deployment of those technologies next week.”

CBITF Names New Co-chair

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is the new co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, along with Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.). In the current 116th Congress, Rep. Bacon serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Armed Services, and the House Homeland Security Committee. He is also a member of the Bipartisan Dyslexia Caucus.

SAFE Scrubs is Holding Rally to Push Firearms Injury Prevention Research

SAFE Scrubs is holding a rally comprised of doctors, nurses, students, healthcare providers, gun owners, and non gun owners to push Congress to advance Firearms Injury Prevention Research. The rally will take place June 11 on the Capitol Steps. SAFE Scrubs is organizing the event and making gun violence a priority for public health. “As doctors, nurses, medical students, and healthcare providers in the United States, we are committed to protecting our patients’ physical and mental health.” Click here to register.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action.