NHeLP Comments on Federally Facilitated Exchanges and State-based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges

Office of Management and Budget

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
Attention: CMS Desk Officer

RE: General Guidance on Federally Facilitated Exchange and Draft Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges

Dear Sir/Madam,

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is a public interest law firm working to advance access to quality health care and protect the legal rights of low-income and underserved people. NHeLP provides technical support to direct legal services programs, community-based organizations, the private bar, providers and individuals who work to preserve a health care safety net for the millions of uninsured or underinsured low-income people. With the implementation of the new health reform law, it is critical to ensure that low-income and underserved individuals who are eligible for Advanced Premium Tax Credits and cost-sharing assistance, as well as Medicaid and CHIP, are found eligible for relevant subsidies and programs so they can fully benefit from the promises of health reform. We appreciate the ability to provide comments on the General Guidance on Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFE Guidance) and Draft Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges (Blueprint).