Yesterday, AHIP submitted comments in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule on Updating Payment Parameters, Section 1332 Waiver Implementing Regulations, and Improving Health Insurance Markets for 2022 and Beyond.

In its response, AHIP applauds the Administration and Congress for taking significant steps to make coverage more affordable and expand enrollment in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual market. AHIP also provides recommendations for building on the successes of the ACA to further expand access to affordable coverage. These recommendations would expand access in a manner that strikes an appropriate balance between promoting enrollment and avoiding policies that could undermine risk pool stability and lead to fewer options and higher premiums. Those recommendations include:

• Maintaining the annual open enrollment deadline of December 15.
• Removing the Exchange Direct Enrollment option, finalized under the first 2022 Payment Notice final rule in January, which would allow states to adopt a decentralized exchange.
• Rescinding the 1332 waiver guidance codified in the 2022 Payment Notice final rule and reverting to the previous 1332 waiver guidance.
• Removing burdensome requirements that QHP issuers offering coverage of non-Hyde services send separate monthly bills and collect separate payments for these services.

"Health insurance providers remain committed to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health care and we support the Department's efforts to advance policies that will achieve this goal," the letter states. "We appreciate the Administration's commitment to strengthening the individual market, ensuring availability of affordable coverage, and removing barriers to care. It is critical that policies intended to expand enrollment do so in a manner that protects the stability of the individual market."

Please click here to view the full AHIP letter.