ACA RULES AND TAX CUTS
The NDNRC wants to make sure that people with disabilities are aware of potential changes to their healthcare with the new administration taking office. The disability community utilizes Medicaid, and the ACA (Affordable Care Act) Marketplace plans at a higher rate than those without disabilities due to their unique needs.
By updating this newsletter with resources and educational pieces on where disability health policies stand, we hope to ensure that the disability community continues to have access to accessible and affordable healthcare coverage no matter what changes occur in the foreseeable future.
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, and the National Disability Rights Network have all partnered in opposition to the proposed elimination of the Administration for Community Living, which supports people with disabilities in access to services to live independently and in their communities. This proposed elimination would remove community supports for 1 in 4 Americans.
The Commonwealth Fund (TCF) continued to cover proposed ACA rule changes, specifically decreasing the open enrollment period. This change, amongst others to the Marketplace, would potentially cause over 2 million people to lose Marketplace coverage in 2026.
All these proposed cuts and changes to state-based health insurance are being brought up due to the alleged “fraud and abuse” in Medicaid. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) discussed this, as a part of their Medicaid Watch series, through conversations a part of the “Health Wonk Shop.”
TCF reviewed the impact of current budget cuts on community health centers, which provided primary, maternal, behavioral health, and dental care to millions of Americans. These proposals continue to be discussed despite research showing investment in these centers would reduce costs down the road.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reviewed how current budget cuts would cause veterans to lose their health care through Medicaid. Over 30% of veterans have a service-connected disability and have multiple and complex health care needs, highlighting the importance of this population in having access to Medicaid.
In response to proposed Medicaid cuts, as well as changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from Congress, KFF released basic facts about children with special health needs, defined as “chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions and who require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally,” and their use of Medicaid. Medicaid offers health coverage to about 4 in 10 children and 8 in 10 children in poverty, acting as a major source of coverage for children with special health care needs.
CBPP continues to track state tax cuts through storytelling, case studies, and overall analysis of these tax cuts. These tax cuts were compared to previous attempts in Congress and instead recommended tax and budget bills that prioritize low-income populations and families, alongside other tax bill recommendations.
TCF covered what policies would help improve access and healthcare coverage for dually eligible individuals under the age of 65 who use Medicare and Medicaid.
The CHIRblog posted their March research roundup blog which consisted of marketplace plan deductibles, savings from drug rebates, and reviewed private equity acquired practices.
Archives of our weekly updates are available on the NDNRC website.