House rules committee approves AHCA amendment to establish risk-sharing program

The House Committee on Rules today approved an amendment to the American Health Care Act to create a risk-sharing program to reimburse health insurers offering plans in the individual market for high-cost enrollees. The amendment, sponsored by Reps. Gary Palmer (R-AL) and David Schweikert (R-AZ), would establish a $15 billion fund for the years 2018 through 2026; however, it does not describe how insurers would apply for reimbursement from the fund, what types of claims would qualify, or the mechanisms by which the fund would operate. The House is expected to recess tonight for a two-week district work period.