Policy Corner: October 12, 2018

Democrats Fail to Overturn Rule on Short-term, Limited Duration Insurance Plans

Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to overturn the Administration’s rule to allow short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, but the measure failed in a 50-50 vote. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) joined the Democrats in support of a resolution to overturn the “junk plans” rule, which went into effect last week. The Administration’s rule gives insurance companies more power to sell short-term limited duration insurance, referred to as “junk plans,” which are not required to cover people with pre-existing conditions and can exclude basic health services including emergency care, rehabilitation, mental health, prescription drugs, treatment for substance use, and maternity care.

President Signs FAA Bill that Includes Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

President Trump signed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, which also includes the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights and an increase in civil penalties for harm done to passengers with disabilities or their wheelchairs and mobility aids, Oct. 5. The bill requires that “plain language” be used to spell out the rights of passengers with disabilities, including receiving timely assistance and seating accommodations if requested. The law requires airline employees and contractors to undergo training on the bill of rights, as well as training for the TSA with regard to screening passengers with disabilities. The agency must address proper screening and any particular sensitivities a traveler with a disability might have, including to touch, pressure and sound. Signs must be posted at security checkpoints advising on how to complain of screening mistreatment based on disability. In addition, the law directs the Department of Transportation to set a final rule for service animals on planes in the next 18 months, including a service animal definition and minimum standards.

Senate Recesses Early

The Senate is recessing two weeks early for the midterm campaign recess. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives will convene Nov. 13, one week after the elections. This means House incumbents and other candidates will be campaigning in their home districts and one-third of the Senate (35 Senators) will be campaigning statewide. This presents an excellent opportunity to advance brain injury issues by attending Candidate Forums and other public events or scheduling visits with candidates through their in-home district offices or campaign offices. The Brain Injury Association of America has created public policy materials you can use during your visits. Click here for more information.

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