VIDEO: AMA President on the ACA, narrow networks, and Medicaid expansion

WASHINGTON– With enrollment now open for the second year of Affordable Care Act coverage, what kinds of concerns do physicians have?

American Medical Association President Robert M. Wah discusses in this video interview the latest round of enrollment, and potential pluses and minuses for physicians, including the 90-day grace period. That aspect of the law gives patients who enroll in health plans through ACA marketplaces up to 90 days to pay premiums. Although insurers are liable for services rendered in the first month, physicians might be left without reimbursement for care given in the ensuing 60 days.

Another looming question as enrollment gets underway: Will patients be able to determine that their physicians are participating in a given network? The AMA and others have been pressuring the federal government and insurers to do a better job of updating network information. At its interim policy-making meeting in November, the AMA adopted a new policy urging any and all changes to be made before enrollment begins. The organization’s delegates also said that state regulators should be the primary enforcers of ensuring network adequacy.

Dr. Wah also discussed the AMA’s approach to ensuring that more Americans get health coverage through Medicaid, building on another policy passed by the delegates at the interim meeting.

aault@frontlinemedcom.com

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