Published: Aug 1, 2013
By David Pittman, Washington Correspondent, MedPage Today
WASHINGTON -- Republicans continue to undermine the Affordable Care Act by spreading misinformation and avoiding helping constituents learn about their benefits under the law, Democrats charged in a report Thursday.
Meanwhile, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner told House lawmakers her agency was on track to have the law's health insurance exchanges operational when they begin open enrollment on Oct. 1.
"We are so ready; I just cannot wait for those 60 days," Tavenner told MedPage Today after a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the ACA's implementation.
At that hearing, Democrats charged Republicans in a report of lying and generally being disingenuous at the eleventh hour of ACA implementation -- hindering "millions of their poorest constituents from receiving health insurance coverage."
"Nonpartisan analysts have accused Republicans of trying to 'sabotage' the law," their 14-page report said, outlining 10 ways Republicans have acted to undercut the ACA. These policies include:
· Casting 40 votes to repeal the law, creating public confusion about the ACA's implementation
· Refusing to expand Medicaid in 27 states and establishing state-based health insurance exchanges in 27 states
· Not providing funding to implement the law
· Attacking efforts to educate the public about the law
· Denying basic constituent services requests from citizens who request help understanding or signing up for benefits
· Misinforming citizens about the impact of reform on insurance premiums, leading many to believe prices will skyrocket
·
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) said at Thursday's hearing Democrats who opposed the creation of Medicare Part D were still helping their constituents understand their benefits and enroll in the program last decade. The Democrats' response then provides a contrast to Republican efforts today, she said.
"I think it's our job as elected representatives of our constituents to go out there and tell people that they can have these benefits, get the assurance they need, and save money," DeGette said.
Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) disputed the notion that Democrats were helpful in the Medicare drug plan rollout.
"To make a claim about Medicare [Part] D how much you all were out there pushing that, I question the credibility of that," Shimkus said.
Republicans used Thursday's hearing to pepper Tavenner with questions about the raise in health insurance premiums and the Obama administration's preparation for and handling of the law's implementation.
"What assurances do we have that exchanges will be ready to enroll individuals in just 60 days?" Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) said in his opening statement. "My constituents want to know what to expect over the next couple of months."
Republicans have for some months said the ACA's changes to the insurance market will cause premiums in the individual and small group market to skyrocket. They've often used the term "rate shock."
The Obama administration says premiums will fall in many states as they have already in New York, Maryland, Washington, and others. They said last month premiums in the small group and individual markets will be 18% lower on average than what the Congressional Budget Office estimated.
Republicans counter that those states are the exception and not the norm.
"The president made a lot of promises to the American people both before and after the law's passage, and the promises to make healthcare more affordable and more accessible have fallen woefully short," Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton said in his opening statement.
Tavenner, when asked about possible misinformation about the law's impact on premiums, said Republicans are just worried because they don't know what's coming, and Democrats are excited for what's a true game-changer in health insurance.
"Both sides have a valid argument, but we are ready to move ahead," Tavenner told MedPage Today.
She added she was most concerned about getting people enrolled in the exchanges once the 6-month enrollment process starts Oct. 1 -- not the information technology aspect of the exchanges.
Lawmakers -- for or against the law -- will have a chance to reach their constituents as Congress begins its long August recess next week. They won't return to Washington until Sept. 9.
Republicans have called for public forums with young adults and forums with members of the local healthcare community.
"To highlight the negative effects of the president's healthcare law, the member will engage with local businesses and employees that have been impacted by job cuts, furloughs, or the loss of health insurance," the GOP plan read. "This event will promote local businesses and emphasize the need to repeal Obamacare to protect employees, small businesses, and jobs."
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Washington-Watch/Reform/40794?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2013-08-02&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_source=WC&eun=g350341d0r&userid=350341&email=john@thebrokerageinc.com&mu_id=5344066
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