Alexander announces deal to fund CSRs

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, today said he and committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) had reached an agreement on legislation to fund cost-sharing reduction payments for two years and provide states some flexibility in regard to requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The White House announced last week that it will stop making CSR payments to health insurers. Federal law requires insurers to reduce the out-of-pocket costs for low-income individuals purchasing coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and these payments reimburse insurers for the cost of that program. AHA and others have urged Congress to take action to fund the CSR payments. Watch for more information as details of the agreement are released.