GOP Lawmakers Fought To Keep These People Uninsured. Now They Have To Rely On Hope.

Texas is one of the states without expanded Medicaid.

TwarDokus is among an estimated 5.7 million Americans stuck in a coverage gap: making too little to qualify for a subsidy that helps pay for private insurance, but too much to qualify for Medicaid in states that chose not to expand their programs.


See full article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_5175336.html

SooeyPig, we get to buy you a Oscar Meyer...

Transgender Health Benefits Required Under New HHS Guidance

From Mary Bauman writing over at Employee Benefit Advisor:
New ACA regulations issued by the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may require employer group health plans to provide coverage for transgender surgery and other transgender health benefits. This new requirement takes effect as of the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2017.

The new regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability under a health program or activity receiving federal funds. As part of this ban on discrimination, blanket exclusions in group health plans for all care relating to gender dysphoria or gender transition will no longer be permitted. Rather, transgender surgery and other transgender health benefits must be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. For example, if a group health plan provides coverage for a hysterectomy for a female participant experiencing medical issues during menopause, then it would also be appropriate to cover a hysterectomy for a participant whose physician recommends it to treat gender dysphoria.

Not all employer group health plans are subject to the new regulations. Employer group health plans which must comply include:
Plans sponsored by hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes and other health care providers receiving funds under Medicare Part A or Medicaid;

Fully insured group health plans (sponsored by any employer) where the insurer is offering coverage on an exchange; and
Self-funded group health plans (sponsored by any employer) administered by an insurer offering coverage on an exchange.

In the regulations, OCR explains that while it has jurisdiction over an insurer offering coverage on an exchange (even with respect to its business of administering self-funded plans), it does not have jurisdiction over employer-sponsors of self-funded group health plans. However, OCR indicates that if such a self-funded plan is discriminatory, it may refer the matter to EEOC to pursue an employment discrimination claim against the employer sponsoring the plan. ...

and ironically, many of those uninsured pay the penalty tax for going without coverage, not knowing that living in a State that did not expand Medicare is an exemption from the penalty.

SooeyPig, we get to buy you a Oscar Meyer...

Transgender Health Benefits Required Under New HHS Guidance Originally Posted by IIFFOFRDB

So EKIM and assup piggy mamboolah can finally get that " nip / tuck " they've always dreamed of at taxpayers expense AND maintain their gloryhole empires ! Guess that means they won't have to enlist ( in the military ) for their procedure.