Families USA commented on the Trump Administration’s proposed “public charge” rule. Under the administration’s proposal, immigrants could be considered a public charge, and therefore denied entry to the country or denied the right to adjust status and become a lawful permanent resident, if they receive Medicaid or certain other public benefits for a period of time.

Families USA is encouraged to see oral health coming up early in the 116th Congress with Senator Cardin introducing S. 22, the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019 earlier this week. This legislation serves as an important opportunity for Congress to take a major step to improve the oral health, overall well-being, and financial security of seniors and people with disabilities in this country. Families USA is proud to join our partners at Oral Health America, Justice in Aging, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy in a letter supporting the major provisions of this bill.

On January 17, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule that would raise consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for health care under individual and employer-sponsored health insurance plans, and decrease premium assistance in the individual marketplace.

Families USA submitted this comment to Secretary Azar on the proposed safe harbor rule changes. Under the proposed rule, discounts awarded by prescription drug manufacturers to plan sponsors under Medicare Part D and Medicaid managed care organizations or their contracted Pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) would no longer be eligible for safe harbor under the Federal anti-kickback provisions of the Social Security Act.