President Biden has signed an executive order intended to strengthen Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reconsider several policies. In addition, HHS will open a special enrollment period for plans on the federal exchanges from Feb. 15 to May 15.
Specifically, the executive order directs agencies to re-examine:
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Policies that undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including complications related to COVID-19
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Demonstrations and waivers under Medicaid and the ACA that may reduce coverage or undermine the programs, including work requirements
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Policies that undermine the Health Insurance Marketplace or other markets for health insurance
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Policies that make it more difficult to enroll in Medicaid and the ACA
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Policies that reduce affordability of coverage or financial assistance, including for dependents