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Federal Update   This week the House will vote on a measure that diverts funding from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to keep down the costs of student loan interest rates.  ACS CAN sent a letter to all House members opposing any legislation that would cut prevention and public health funding for any purpose, including offsetting the cost of student loan program. Read the ACS CAN press release and letter .   Medical Loss Ratio - Average Rebate Estimates for 2012   Under the Affordable Care Act, health plans must meet minimum medical loss ratios (MLR), the percentage of premium dollars that are actually spent on medical benefits ...

... with the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association in the litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.  The brief received favorable mention in several news articles, some of which recounted its central argument that Congress had the authority to enact the individual mandate -- which requires almost all individuals to purchase or carry health insurance by 2014 -- to ensure the success of patient protection provisions such as the ban on pre-existing condition exclusions and annual ... , which links to a copy of the brief and coverage from CQ .   State Update   Many states are busy trying to pass legislation to create health benefit exchanges during their newly opened 2012 legislative sessions. Approximately 20 states that have almost no foundation to build on ...

... plans and makes tiered provider networks more patient-friendly. It specifically addresses geographic proximity requirements between patients, health care providers and health care facilities; and defines how plans must ensure provider access to rural areas. ACS CAN has submitted comments on the proposed rule and ...

Policy Update Regulations The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to issue several long awaited Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations over the next few days. The regulations will provide important details on how essential benefits, insurance reforms, ... Some large companies, most recently Applebee's and Papa John's Pizza, have said in news reports that they may be forced to reduce or drop health coverage for their employees because of the ACA.  These claims are misleading in their criticism of the ACA, and draw attention away from ...