Will President-elect Donald Trump seek to repeal the Affordable Care Act once more, or will his administration opt for smaller-scale changes to the law? In this article, Alden Bianchi shares his predictions on the actions the incoming administration and Republicans may consider as they take control of the White House and Congress.
DOJ Proposes Restrictions on Transactions Involving Bulk Sensitive Data, Including Health Data
On October 29, 2024, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a proposed rule to implement US President Joe Biden’s Executive Order (EO) 14117. This order aims to prevent countries of concern from accessing Americans’ sensitive personal data and US-government-related data. The proposal specifically includes health data as a category of sensitive personal data that could be exploited. Health insurers, service providers to health plans, and healthcare providers should review this proposed rule closely.
Virtual Care Policy Update: What to Expect in Lame Duck
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2023 (Public Law 117-328), extended certain key virtual care flexibilities instituted during the COVID-19 public health emergency through December 31, 2024. This includes the telehealth safe harbor for health savings account-eligible high deductible health plans. Without congressional action, these waivers and flexibilities will end on December 31, 2024.
Read the latest update from McDermott+ for more information on these policies, relevant regulatory and congressional action, and the likelihood of further extensions before the end of this year.
Unpacking the Over-the-Counter Contraception Proposed Rule
Sarah Raaii recently joined McDermott+’s Maddie News on the Health Policy Breakroom Podcast to discuss proposed rules issued by the Biden administration that require health plans to cover certain over-the-counter services, including contraception items.
IRS Releases Regulatory Notices Related to Health Plan Coverage of Contraceptives
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Internal Revenue Bulletin 2024-44. The Bulletin includes Notice 2024-71, which provides a safe harbor under Internal Revenue Code § 213(d), treating amounts paid for condoms as medical care expenses eligible for reimbursement under various health plans. It also includes Notice 2024-75, which expands the list of preventive care benefits that high-deductible health plans can provide without a deductible or with a lower deductible, including benefits for over-the-counter oral contraceptives and condoms.
