Jason Levitis talks about how federal policies and state-level changes impact health insurance access. In his conversation with The Regulatory Review, he shares insights on the state of health insurance today.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted nearly 15 years ago, significantly changed health care in the U.S. However, the protections it offers can fluctuate with each presidential administration and often face strong opposition.
Levitis highlights recent efforts by federal and state health officials to build on the ACA. He notes that states have the flexibility to create additional protections and support for coverage. States can lead health coverage expansion by utilizing various resources. Levitis believes that these state-level initiatives will be vital for maintaining affordable health care access.
Levitis is a senior fellow at the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center and also collaborates with the Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy at Yale Law School. He provides guidance to state health officials through the State Health and Value Strategies program, which helps to expand access to affordable health care.
Before his current roles, Levitis worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2009 to 2017. There, he played a key role in implementing the ACA and helped initiate the Section 1332 waiver program. His current work focuses on federal and state policies affecting private health insurance access.
Levitis discusses the current health protections and how states can supplement them. He mentions that recent federal actions include combating non-compliant health plans and making premium tax credits more accessible. States have the option to introduce their own rules to protect consumers and even offer additional financial support for health coverage.
Some states are taking innovative approaches. For example, they provide subsidies to help with premiums and streamline the enrollment process. This makes it easier for people to transition between Medicaid and Marketplace coverage.
State officials looking for guidance can turn to organizations like State Health and Value Strategies, which assists in tackling health care issues and addressing systemic racism in health care. This team includes experts who understand the needs of state governments.
Levitis emphasizes that the current federal health agenda creates some uncertainty. However, historical trends suggest that when federal support wanes, states often step up to innovate and expand health coverage.
For those interested in health care or insurance law, Levitis suggests focusing on the importance of this area. It plays a vital role in people’s lives, and the field offers opportunities for a balanced work-life schedule. He notes that by diving into the laws and regulations, a person can quickly become knowledgeable and influential in this growing area of law.
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