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Washington Update
February 3, 2006

Long-Term Care Partnerships

The Senate passed long-term care partnership language in its reconciliation bill and we are awaiting passage by the House with similar language.  It looks very likely that partnership legislation will become law this year.  We’ll keep you informed of the progress, and may be asking for your assistance as the House language moves forward, as well as when we enter the second phase of state implementation of the partnerships.

Medicare

Enrollment for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit begins November 15.  Insurers and others that are providing prescription drug plans are actively marketing at this time.  In addition, please remember that employers are required to provide eligible employees with a disclosure notice detailing the prescription benefit program and its comparability to the part D benefits.  Sample notices for comparable coverage and coverage that is not comparable are available on www.nahu.org.  The next NAHU Web seminar on the Medicare changes is scheduled for November 10 and will focus on other new health plans that will be available through Medicare beginning January 1, 2006.  For more information visit www.nahu.org/education/.

High-Risk Pools

On October 19 the Senate passed the House version of the high-risk pool funding bill.  H.R. 3204 provides $75 million each year beginning in 2007 through 2010 for qualifying existing state high-risk pools.  The bill also provides states with seed funding, up to $1 million per state, for 2006 to establish high-risk pools.  NAHU members in Nevada, Arizona, Ohio and Georgia are actively pursuing high-risk pool legislation in their states.  The final bill, which was amended in the Senate, must be agreed to by the House before being sent to the president. 

Market Reform

Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, introduced comprehensive market reform legislation this week.  S. 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005, aims to create a level playing field within the small-group market for both fully insured AHPs and small employer plans, provide uniformity in regulation, and maintain state regulatory authority over the business of insurance and consumer protection.  Self-funded AHPs would not be permitted under the Enzi proposal.  NAHU will be working with Senator Enzi on the bill as it moves forward.

HSA Changes for 2006

The U.S. Department of Treasury has released adjustments for HSAs for 2006.  The minimum deductible for individuals is $1,050 with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $5,250.  Contributions to the account are capped at $2,700 or the minimum deductible of the HDHP.  The minimum deductible for family coverage is $2,100 with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $10,500.  Contributions to the account are capped at $5,450 or the minimum deductible of the HDHP.  Individuals age 55 and older may contribute up to $700 in catch-up contributions for 2006.

Other News

The time is quickly approaching for the 2005 Consumer-Directed Health Care Conference.  The December conference will be held in Washington, D.C., at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, and we are pleased to be able to again offer a 30% discount to NAHU members. 

NAHU is again a track chair for the Health Plan-Agent/Broker track and the conference is packed with information you won’t want to miss.  As a special extra, we will have a pre-conference NAHU track to provide important information for agents, brokers and employers who will be attending the event.

In addition to the 30% discount, NAHU members who register for the event may bring an employer client with them to the event if the client either has a consumer-directed health plan or is considering one.

An event brochure is enclosed, and we encourage you to take advantage of the new opportunities.  To receive the discount, enter the code “NAHU30PCT” on your registration form, or register online at www.cdhcc.com.  Should you have any questions, please let us know.  We know you’ll gain valuable knowledge and enjoy this outstanding event.

It is not too early to begin thinking about Capitol Conference 2006!  The meeting will be held March 27-29 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.  Look for more information soon!