AHA urges agencies to revise updated guidance on 1332 waivers

AHA today urged the departments of Health and Human Services and Treasury to revise their updated guidance governing waivers under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that patients are protected from inadequate or unaffordable coverage. “Hospitals and health systems are committed to state flexibility and support the departments’ efforts to streamline the 1332 waiver process,” AHA wrote. “However, the proposed changes to the guardrails and several of the waiver concepts go too far in allowing states to take actions that could result in weakened consumer protections and the destabilization of the individual health insurance market.” Under Section 1332 of the ACA, states can apply for a waiver of certain requirements but must demonstrate that the proposed waiver would provide access to quality health care that is at least as comprehensive and affordable as without the waiver.