DeLauro Applauds HHS’s Move to Propose Rules Enforcing Affordable Care Act’s Prohibition on Discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today applauded the release of a proposed rule regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s discrimination prohibitions in health care. Last month DeLauro wrote to Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell, and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough urging them to take exactly this action. Those letters can be viewed here and here.

“I am pleased to see the Administration taking this long-overdue action. In the absence of regulations, federal courts have already begun to interpret Section 1557. Meanwhile, consumers are susceptible to discrimination, extracting a great toll in lives, health and resources of individuals needing health care in this country. I am carefully reviewing the proposed rule to ensure that it will protect vulnerable populations and carry out the intent of the Affordable Care Act.”

The regulation was published in today’s Federal Register and can be viewed at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-08/pdf/2015-22043.pdf.

DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding HHS and was a vocal advocate for passing the ACA.


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