NEW: Since June 2021, *163,000* COVID-19 deaths could have been prevented if they had chosen to get vaccinated.
healthsystemtracker.org/brief/covid19-… @KFF @PetersonCHealth COVID-19 was the #3 leading cause of death in November 2021, averaging 1,110 deaths per day. The overwhelming majority of these deaths could have been prevented with vaccines. healthsystemtracker.org/brief/covid19-… @cynthiaccox @_KendalOrgera @JaredOrtaliza

The first regulation implementing the No Surprises Act is out. This law protects patients from most surprise bills starting in 2022
cms.gov/files/document… In the standard notice and consent form for Surprise Billing Protections, if patients don't have sign, plans are required to help patients find an alternate in-network provider or work out a payment agreement with the out-of-network provider.

The Biden Administration is expected to publish the first implementing rule of the No Surprises Act by tomorrow July 1. In this thread, I’ll list 10 key questions to look out for in the interim final rules.🧵1/12 Question 1 on No Surprises Act: How will patients be notified of surprise medical bill protections? Will patients know how to dispute unexpected bills? Patients will need to be informed of what to expect and how to dispute unexpected bills. (2/12)

As signaled in the 2022 #NBPP #PaymentNotice Part 2, the Biden Administration has issued a 2022 NBPP Part 3 on #ACA #Exchanges. Proposals include:
-Increase in enrollment opportunities
-Repealing Trump admin option allowing states to leave Exchanges
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-13993.pdf The Biden Admin is proposing extending open enrollment by 30 days and creating a monthly special enrollment period (SEP) for low-income people with incomes up to 150% of poverty.