Husch Blackwell attorney Joe Geraci was recently quoted in an AIS Health Reform Week article titled HHS’s Statements on Exchange QHPs Stir Confusion, Complicate Copay Assistance.  The article reports that the Obama administration is sending mixed messages on whether Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) on the insurance exchanges will be considered federal health programs.  A recent statement in a CMS Q & A document appears to contradict a statement in a letter from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  If QHPs are federal health programs, insurers will be required to provide certain patient-assistance programs such as copayment waivers from providers.  Additionally, current assistance programs available through commercial plans are prohibited in federal programs.

To read the full AIS’s Health Reform Week article, click here.