Proposed rules offer states flexibility, choices, competition and clout for consumers and small businesses

On July 11 of 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance and have the same insurance choices as members of Congress. Starting in 2014, Exchanges will make it easy for individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs.

“Exchanges offer Americans competition, choice, and clout,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Insurance companies will compete for business on a transparent, level playing field, driving down costs; and Exchanges will give individuals and small businesses the same purchasing power as big businesses and a choice of plans to fit their needs.”

Today’s announcement is designed to help support and guide states in their efforts to implement Exchanges. HHS proposed new rules offering states guidance and options on how to structure their Exchanges in two key areas:

* Setting standards for establishing Exchanges, setting up a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), performing the basic functions of an Exchange, and certifying health plans for participation in the Exchange, and;
* Ensuring premium stability for plans and enrollees in the Exchange, especially in the early years as new people come in to Exchanges to shop for health insurance.

These proposed rules set minimum standards for Exchanges, give states the flexibility they need to design Exchanges that best fit their unique insurance markets, and are consistent with steps states have already taken to move forward with Exchanges.

Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia and four territories accepted grants to help plan and operate Exchanges. In addition, over half of all states are taking additional action beyond receiving a planning grant such as passing legislation or taking Administrative action to begin building exchanges. States will continue to implement exchanges on different schedules through 2014.

“States are leading the way in implementing health reform, and today’s announcement builds on that momentum by giving states flexibility to design the Exchange that works for them,” said Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight Director Steve Larsen. “This regulation allows us to meet states where they are.”

Today’s proposals build on over a year’s worth of work with states, small businesses, consumers and health insurance plans and offer states substantial flexibility. For example, it allows states to decide whether their Exchanges should be local, regional, or operated by a non-profit organization, how to select plans to participate, and whether to partner with HHS to split up the work.

In drafting these proposals, the administration examined models of Exchanges, held numerous meetings with stakeholders and consulted closely with state leaders, consumer advocates, employers and insurers. To continue that conversation, HHS is accepting public comment on the proposed rules over the next 75 days to learn from states, consumers, and other stakeholders how the rules can be improved and HHS will modify these proposals based on feedback from the American people. To facilitate that public comment process, HHS will convene a series of regional listening sessions and meetings.

To reduce duplication of effort and the administrative burden on the states, HHS also announced that the federal government will partner with states to make Exchange development and operations more efficient. States can choose to develop an Exchange in partnership with the federal government or develop these systems themselves. This provides states more flexibility to focus their resources on designing the right Exchanges for their local insurance markets.

For more information on Exchanges, including fact sheets, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/exchanges.

A Brief History on Government Spending Cuts

By John Basel

The Great Depression started as a recession in September of
1929. There are many opinions as to how
the recession became a depression but most agree that inaction by the Fed
contributed to the decrease in money supply and the increase in public fear which
led to drastic cuts in spending. Price deflation then created the environment
for substantial decreases in income and employment.

After Franklin Roosevelt (FDR) took office in 1932 and
implemented the massive spending plan know as the New Deal the nation’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) went up and unemployment went down. Coincidently, the
country endured a horrible drought during this time (known as the Dust Bowl)
and the president was labeled a socialist by his opponents. Sound familiar?

There are those who will tell you that the New Deal was a
failure and that the Great Depression endured for fifteen years including the
entire FDR administration. This is not
true. When FDR took office unemployment stood at 25%. Three years later it was 11%.
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The Rotary Club of NW Houston Sunset Invites you to spend the evening with them as the welcome State Representative Debbie Riddle.





The Rotary will meet at La Parranda Mexican Restaurant located on Stuebner Airline this Thurs nite July 14, 2011 at 7p.m.


La Paranda Mexican Resturant is located at 14243 STUEBNER AIRLINE a block north of FM 1960, same shopping center as Texas Repertory Theatre)

State Representative Debbie Riddle will speak to members and guests who are community service volunteers working to make a difference locally as well as globally. The motto of Rotary International is "Service Above Self" Mr.. Allen Jones, freelancing for the Houston Chronicle, as-well as Toni Richard with The Tomball-Spring Times and commited community supporter, plans to be in attendance.



For more information please contact

Jodye Sortino, Publicist
Rotary Club of Houston NW Sunset
832-722-3960

Ruth Cassidy, President
Rotary Club of Houston NW Sunset
281-580-0115


*A purchase of a meal is not required. We meet in a room on the left as you enter the restaurant. Juan Soto, owner and proprietor of the restaurant, is a member of the Rotary Club.

The Teen Lock-In is a joint program between LSC-Tomball Community Library and Barbara Bush Branch
Library.

The lock in is for teens, ages 12-17. It runs from July 1st at 8:00pm to July 2nd at 8:00am.

Space is limited to 50 teens. Registration is now open.  You must have Signed Permission Forms to register.

For more information, call (832) 559-4213.

Barbara Bush Library is located at 6817 Cypresswood dr Spring, Texas 77379

Night of Lock-In phone : 281-376-4610
YA Librarian Rebecca: 281-460-0698

Lock-In Check List:

• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Sleeping Bag, blanket and/or pillow (may be needed in the movie room)
• If you wear contacts- you may want to bring glasses

Parents: If you are interested in volunteering for this event contact YA Librarian: 281-376-4610 or ccteen@hcpl.net