Introduction:

Presidents from all political spectrums have come to realize a sobering truth: where there’s a law, there’s a loophole, and these openings are often exploited legally by individuals, corporations, and their lobbyists. In response, the Biden administration is taking action to close some of these gaps, particularly in the realm of health care. This article delves into the administration’s efforts to clamp down on health care providers and insurers who have found ways to circumvent patient protections in major legislations such as the Affordable Care Act and the No Surprises Act.

Addressing the Issue:

The Biden administration recognizes the need to address the impact of these legal manipulations on patient protections and fairness in health care. With patient stories like Cory Dowd’s experience with inadequate health insurance coverage, the president emphasizes the importance of fairness and protection for medical consumers.

1. Targeting “Junk Insurance” Plans: One key focus is on short-term “junk insurance” plans, which have been exempt from various protections under the Affordable Care Act. These plans, meant as temporary coverage for those between jobs or other transitional periods, often fall short of providing adequate coverage. The proposed rules limit these plans to three months, requiring clear disclosure of what they do and do not cover.
2. Enhancing No Surprises Act Rules: The administration is also working to strengthen the No Surprises Act, which seeks to prevent surprise medical bills. New guidance aims to stop health care providers from exploiting gaps in the law by using out-of-network specialists in in-network facilities, resulting in unexpected bills.
3. Collaboration for Fair Medical Debt Handling: For the first time, three federal agencies – Health and Human Services, Treasury, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – are collaborating to prevent unjust medical debt. Measures include addressing medical credit card practices, often associated with high-interest rates, and ensuring that patients have the right to dispute charges.

Using Rule-Making to Advocate for Consumers:

With limitations in passing comprehensive laws, the Biden administration employs agency rule-making to advocate for consumer rights and patient protections. This approach involves making strategic changes to existing laws through agency rules.

Conclusion:

The Biden administration’s efforts to close health insurance loopholes and protect medical consumers reflect a commitment to fairness and patient protection. As legal manipulations in the health care sector persist, the administration’s rule-making approach serves as a means to achieve meaningful changes and ensure that Americans are not taken advantage of in their pursuit of quality health care.

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