Policy Corner: August 3, 2018

President Signs Bill to Delay EVV Requirements

On Monday, the president signed H.R. 6042 into law (P.L. 115-222), which delays for one year the reduction of Federal medical assistance percentage for Medicaid personal visits furnished without an electronic visit verification (EVV) system. The 21^st Century Cures Act, which passed in 2016, required EVV systems to be in place for Medicaid personal care services by Jan. 1, 2019, and Medicaid home health services by Jan. 1, 2023. States that failed to implement EVV for personal care services by 2019 would lose up to one percent of Medicaid funding.

House Ways and Means Committee Releases Framework for More Tax Cuts

Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee Chair Kevin Brady (R-Tex.) released a two page listening session framework for Tax Reform 2.0. The details are very limited, but the committee does intend to make permanent extension of the 2017 tax law’s individual provisions, which are set to expire after 2025. The plan basically proposes to: 1) protect the middle class and small business tax cuts; 2) promote family savings and 3) spur innovation. While details are limited, the plan proposes expanding 529 education savings accounts to cover home schooling. The House leaders are considering passing the bill in September through the budget reconciliation process.

Senate Approves Transportation and Housing Spending Bill

The Senate approved the fiscal year 2019 Transportation-HUD (THUD) spending bill Wednesday. The bill provides transportation infrastructure grants and funding for affordable housing and community development programs. The Senate bill increases funding for such programs as public housing, Homeless Assistance Grant, Family Self-Sufficiency funding, and Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control. The bill renews all contracts for Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities. Similar to the House version, the Senate bill rejects the Administration’s policy changes to increase the financial burden on current and future tenants of HUD-assisted housing. Congressional leaders are expected to negotiate a final spending bill later this year.

Sen. Casey Introduces the Disability Employment Incentive Act

Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pa.) introduced S. 3260, the Disability Employment Incentive Act (DEIA), July 24. The DEIA would increase the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), the Disability Access Expenditures Tax Credit, and the Architectural and Transportation Barrier Tax Credit. Among the provisions, the DEIA would increase the tax credit for employers who hire a person with a disability referred to them through a state Vocational Rehabilitation agency, a person who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and a person who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The DEIA also provides a tax credit for any business that retains an employee for a second year of employment. Click here to read more.

Administration Finalizes Rule on “Short-Term” Health Plans

This week, the Administration published the final rule in the Federal Register to expand the availability of “short-term” health plans that do not have to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) consumer protections and coverage requirements. The final rule amends the definition of short-term, limited-duration insurance for purposes of its exclusion from the definition of individual health insurance coverage, exempting them from the Federal market requirements applicable to other health insurance policies, such as the requirement to provide essential health benefits. In addition, these plans would not be subject to the prohibitions on preexisting condition exclusions or lifetime and annual dollar limits.

House Members Return Home for August Recess

Members of the House of Representatives are now home for the August recess and will return Sept. 4. This is an excellent time to meet with congressional members to discuss brain injury issues. With primary and November elections ahead, they are often out and about at county fairs, picnics, and other public events. You may also schedule an appointment with your representative by contacting his/her in-district office. Click here for materials and information to help with any visits or opportunities you may have to discuss the needs of individuals with brain injury. The Senate is planning recess after next week.