Analytics tell college and pro football coaches these days that punts should not be the answer to every fourth down situation, but Congress has yet to buy into that theory. Leaving Washington for a two-week holiday break earlier this month, both Republicans and Democrats alike will look to blame the other side for inaction on reauthorizing Affordable Care Act tax credits or agreeing to GOP-led alternatives passed by the majority in each chamber. While a small group of House Republican moderates joined an effort on an up or down bill to extend the credits, that vote, because of procedural rules, will not take place until Congress returns in January.
At the center of the controversy is the Affordable Care Act itself, now a decade old. House and Senate Republicans claim that the law is bloated, full of waste, fraud, and abuse, and only serves a small portion of the population. Democrats on Capitol Hill counter that the law is now more popular than ever and that individuals, especially in rural and underserved areas, depend on the Act and the federally backed credits to make health coverage affordable.
The House GOP bill would lift some restrictions on association health plans, allowing employers across industries to buy coverage as a group and potentially trim costs. The idea has long been a favorite of Republicans who argue such plans could be better leveraged to get better deals on health insurance. However, these types of plans have long been opposed by non-MD provider groups as these plans, eligible to be sold across state lines, would start a “race to the bottom” by allowing insurance companies to choose their regulator. Insurers will seek the regulations that allow them to most aggressively select the healthiest risk. Furthermore, while some individuals in pristine health may be able to find cheaper policies, everyone else would face steep premium hikes…if they can find coverage at all. Fortunately, this idea has little support in the Senate.
Oh, and the federal government is again scheduled to shut down without a funding agreement on Jan. 30. So, there’s also that fight to look forward to.
Little of the congressional squabbling has involved Medicare; however, and that program remains the legislative focus for the American Chiropractic Association. It is somewhat fortuitous that Congress is looking at health solutions with Engage 2026 just around the corner, this is a perfect time to come to Washington and lobby for passage of the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act.
If you haven’t already registered to attend ACA Engage 2026, you can still join us in Washington next month by registering here. Participation is vital to help pass our legislative agenda.
John Falardeau is ACA senior vice president of public policy and advocacy.
