6M+ Americans with pre-existing conditions may face premium spikes under American Health Care Act: 5 things to know

A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found more than 6 million U.S. patients with pre-existing conditions may have their premiums increased under the American Health Care Act, according to The Hill.

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Here are five things to know:

1. The law allows some states to waive an ACA provision that stopped payers from charging patients with pre-existing conditions higher rates.

2. In 2015, more than 25 million Americans had a coverage gap that lasted at least several months.

3. The GOP bill would give states $100 billion for high-risk pools, reinsurance programs and cost-sharing subsidies, among others.

4. Waivers only apply to states with a high-risk pool or a reinsurance program. However, Karen Pollitz, a KFF senior fellow, explained a high-risk pool applies to patients who were priced out of coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Also, the law does not require states to provide an alternative source of coverage.

5. The Hill reports the Senate is working “behind closed doors” on a different ACA repeal plan. It is not clear at this point in time if the alternate will include the provision.

More articles on coding and billing:
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Trump threatens to withhold ACA subsidies: 5 points

 

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