Federal lawmakers look to improve healthcare reform law

Americans have mixed feelings about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but many lawmakers and members of the public feel the federal law needs to be improved. According to USA Today, Democrats and Republicans are beginning to agree that certain aspects of the legislation need to be fixed. If federal lawmakers look to amend the law, insurance benefits may be affected.

USA Today reported there are aspects of the ACA that both those in favor of the law and those opposed to it admit need to be overhauled. These five improvements are:

1. How physicians are reimbursed
2. The “family glitch”
3. The fee-for-service payment system
4. The movement from Medicaid to private insurance
5. Price transparency

Federal lawmakers believe each of these improvements must be made for the ACA to remain viable, USA Today reported. 

For example, John Arensmeyer, CEO of nonprofit advocacy group the Small Business Majority, told USA Today the family glitch is of significant importance.

“The authors of the law wanted people to take advantage of what the employer was offering,” Arensmeyer said. “The problem is if your percentage goes too high, it’s not a benefit. I think there is probably bipartisan consensus on that issue.”

According to MedCity News, the law has caused premiums for certain families to go up, but some families have felt relief because they now have flexibility when choosing providers.