Healthcare Modernization Act of 2017 (The More Things Changed)

The Healthcare Modernization Act of 2017 is a current legislative proposal in the 115th United States Congress.

Title I - Changes to the Affordable Care Act
Title I provides for revisions and elimination of aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Subtitle A - Repealing Provisions of the ACA

 * Repeals the tax on medical devices.
 * Repeals the prohibition on the use of funds from Health Savings Accounts to purchase over-the-counter medication non-prescription medication

Subtitle B - Revising Provisions of the ACA

 * Revises the ACA’s employer mandate to cover companies with more than 500 employees, rather than 50
 * Health Savings Account funds are allowed to be used to purchase health care plans from any insurer

Subtitle C - New Establishments

 * Establishes federal guidelines on how states can take advantage of waivers from coverage rules

Title II - Medigap Reform

 * Prohibits first-dollar Medigap coverage
 * Applies a premium surcharge of 10% on Part B premiums
 * Requires Medigap plans to include a deductible of at least $250, cover no more than 50% of beneficiaries copayments and coinsurance, and provide an annual out-of-pocket limit no lower than $2,000

Subtitle A - Care for Seniors

 * Starting in 2022, seniors are given a greater choice of plans and greater premium support, including a choice among Medicare-approved private plans
 * Wealthier seniors would see this program assistance reduced
 * Seniors receive specialized information: about the plan in which they are currently enrolled, the projected cost of the plan, what other plans in the area are offered, and what the federal premium support would be

Subtitle B - Eligibility

 * The eligibility age to participate in Medicare is gradually increased to 67, starting in 2020.

Subtitle C - Further Revisions

 * More healthcare providers will be eligible for telehealth reimbursement under Medicare and other programs, including health clinics and centers
 * Medicare is allowed to negotiate drug and biologic prices and demand higher rebates for prescription drugs in Medicare
 * All health plans that participate in the Medicare Exchange would be required to offer benefits that are at least the actuarial equivalent of those provided by a traditional Medicare plan