House bill introduced to allow individuals to apply for health law waivers

Mar 11 2011

The measure, introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., would allow consumers the same exemption process being exercised by some employers and unions. Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has raised questions about waivers granted to "mini-med" plans.

The Wall Street Journal: Lawmaker Wants Consumers To Have Waiver Rights In Health Overhaul
A senior House Republican on Wednesday introduced legislation that would allow consumers to apply for waivers to key health-law requirements, including the mandate to carry health insurance or pay a fee. Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan says his measure would give consumers an opportunity similar to that already enjoyed by employers and unions to win exemptions if the new law significantly increases their premiums or decreases their access to insurance coverage (Adamy, 3/9).

CQ HealthBeat: Issa Raises Questions About HHS Waivers For 'Mini-Med' Plans
The chairman of the House Oversight Committee is questioning whether federal health officials may have played favorites in deciding which insurers got waivers from new rules that require plans to increase their annual limits on benefits. "The current lack of transparency lends credence to the perception that bureaucrats are picking winners and losers in a politicized environment where the winners are favored constituencies of the administration," wrote Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., the Oversight subcommittee that handles health issues. The Republicans said they want more information about "what criteria were used to evaluate requests and whether the process was fair and open to all." The panel may hold a hearing on the issue within the next month. In a Feb. 16 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health about the waivers, federal health officials said that about 90 percent of waiver requests have been approved (Adams, 3/9).