National Women’s Law Center Responds To HHS Announcement On How Essential Benefits Are To Be Determined In Health Care Law

(Washington, D.C.) The National Women’s Law Center responded today to a bulletin released by the Department on Health and Human Services (HHS) on the implementation of the Essential Health Benefits package of the Affordable Care Act. The bulletin outlines policies that will give flexibility to the states as they develop health insurance exchanges. 

The following is from Judy Waxman, Vice-President of Health and Reproductive Rights for the National Women’s Law Center:

“The National Women’s Law Center believes a woman’s health care coverage must be comprehensive no matter where she lives. The Affordable Care Act was designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to the health insurance marketplace while protecting consumers from discriminatory insurance practices. Without question, the components of the Essential Health Benefit package are one of the most important parts of the health care law because they are intended to correct longstanding discriminatory practices that women face in the vast majority of states.

“We appreciate the attempt by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide some direction as states move into their upcoming legislative sessions and continue to implement the Affordable Care Act. But while we appreciate the need for state flexibility, we also recognize the importance of making sure that the Essential Health Benefit package allows women to purchase affordable health care that meets their needs. We urge HHS to include strong federal standards on broad definitions such as Medical Necessity and Actuarial Value, and oversight and enforcement of the Essential Health Benefits package to ensure consistency of core health care coverage across the country. HHS should fully define nondiscrimination standards to ensure that states address the unique health care needs of women, including their right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex.

“As HHS moves forward to implement the health care law, along with the states, it is important that HHS release additional regulations in proposed form with ample opportunity for public feedback. Women’s advocates look forward to working with HHS and with the states to ensure that the promise of the Essential Health Benefit package and the intent of the law are fulfilled.”

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