Health Policy

The goal of The Alliance's health policy function is to:

  • Provide timely and objective information to members,
  • Become a resource to public policy makers, and
  • Take action on issues that are likely to impact Alliance members and that are consistent with our mission.

Our health policy platform is focused on the following areas:

  • Promoting health care quality transparency.
  • Aligning incentives to promote greater value.
  • Providing tools and support for individuals to become "informed health care consumers".
  • Improving the health care marketplace.

Read our pdf Health Policy Platform.

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Health Policy Alerts

WI Act 189: Medicaid Reporting Requirement Took Effect Nov. 1, 2012

Senate Bill 487 was signed into law as Wisconsin Act 189 last Spring, replete with an amendment that addresses concerns raised by Alliance member employers. Alliance members have been working with the Department of Health Services via a task force on implementation of the law, which took effect November 1.

We encourage members to discuss this issue with their TPA to ensure they are aware of the new reporting requirements. Questions about WI Act 189 may be directed to DHS Consultant Howard Hosely at 608.224.6059 or via email at VEDSDECoordinator@wisconsin.gov.

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Take Action

Legislation Impacts What Physicians Can or Should Tell Patients
Two pieces of legislation may impact physician-patient communication. One bill stipulates what a doctor is required to disclose to patients, and the other bill addresses statements of sympathy such as "I'm sorry" and whether such statements can be used against a doctor in court. The Alliance has not taken a position on either bill, but encourages members that feel strongly to contact their legislators and share their views. Read more.

Comment on "Pay or Play" regulations. The IRS has released long-awaited proposed rules governing employer responsibility provisions. Read more.

Comment on wellness program regulations. The IRS has proposed regulations concerning wellness program incentives that will become effective starting in 2014. Read more.


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ACA Updates - Affordable Care Act

The Alliance provides you with the latest news and legislative briefs to understand how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may affect your health plan.

  • Calls for Comments on IRS Proposed Regulations
  • The Alliance Informs State Officials of Exchange Position
  • The Alliance and the Consumer Purchaser Disclosure Project Comment on Proposed Rules Regarding Physician Payment and Hospital Reporting
  • The Alliance and the National Business Coalition on Health advocate for employer input on Comparative Effectiveness Research projects.

Read more on the ACA Updates page.
Have your voice heard:

Learn how to write an effective letter to your legislator.


Featured Tools:

Excise Tax Calculator

This tool helps you project whether your company’s health plan may be subject to the ACA’s excise tax, also known as the "Cadillac tax."

ACA Subsidy Calculator

This tool helps you project premiums and government assistance under the ACA by examining the impact of tax credits based on income levels, ages, family sizes and regional costs.

Pay or Play: Health Care Mandate Cost Calculator

This tool helps organizations determine what penalties they might face if they do not provide health benefits to all full-time workers. From the National Retail Federation website.

Minimum Value Calculator

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Minimum Value Calculator allows an employer to use information about its health benefits, coverage and cost-sharing rules to determine whether the plan meets minimum value standards.

pdf The Employer Guide for Compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

This guide was developed to give employers an overview of the key questions they should be asking to ensure that their health insurance plans meet the requirements of the law.