In This Issue:

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA); Other HHS and Federal Regulatory Initiatives; Other Congressional and State Initiatives; Other Health Care News; and Hearings & Mark-ups Scheduled.

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

On January 27th Republicans on the House Ways & Means Committee sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius demanding a detailed account of the activities of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

On January 31st Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Phil Gingrey (R-GA) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking about HHS’s plans regarding the CLASS Act. The letter cites a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report finding that, if the act is not repealed, failing to implement the act could open HHS to a judicial challenge.

On February 1st the House of Representatives voted to repeal the CLASS Act, the ACA’s long-term care insurance program. A statement from House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) can be found here. A statement from Rep. Boustany, who introduced the repeal legislation, can be found here. Please see links below.

Please see full update below for more information.