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:
Aetna CEO: US should have ‘debate’ over single-payer system: 4 things to know
Pain management in 2017: Tips for thriving despite the challenges
Trump threatens to withhold ACA subsidies: 5 points
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