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LEGAL PROCESSING DIVISION
CATION & REGULATIONS
PUBL BRANCH

SEP 0 2 2019

As of: August 31, 2010

PUBLIC Status: Postes

SUBMISSION racking No. 80b3e35¢
Comments Due: August 16, 2010)

Submission Type: Web

Docket: IRS-2010-0010
Group Health Plans and Heaith Insurance Coverage Rules Relating to Status as a Grandfathered
Health Plan Under the Patient Protection and Afforable Care Act

Comment On: IRS-2010-0010-0001
Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage: Interim Final Rules for Relating to Status as
a Grandfathered Health Plan under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Document: IRS-2010-0010-0534
Comment on FR Doc # 2010-14488

LL.

Submitter Information

Name: Robert Anthony Portillo
Address:

210 Carmichae! Road

Woodstock, GA, 30189
Email: riportillo@gmail.com
Phone: 770-591-3531
Submitter’s Representative: myself
Organization: Chiropactor
Government Agency Type: Federal
Government Agency: HHS

General Comment

See attached file(s)

Attachments

IRS-2010-0010-0534.1: Comment on FR Doc # 2010-14488

http://fdms.erulemaking net/fdms-web-agency/component/submitterInfoCoverPage?Call=..._ 8/31/2010


Robert A. Portillo
210 Carmichael Road
Woodstock, GA 30189

August 11, 2010

Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight
Department of Health and Human Services

Attention: OCIIO-9991-IFC

P.O. Box 8016

Baltimore, MD 21244-1850

Re: Interim Final Rule for Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Relating to
Status as a Grandfathered Health Plan Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Below are my comments regarding the Interim Final Rule for Group Health Plans and Health Insurance
Coverage Relating to Status as a Grandfathered Health Plan Under the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (PPACA).

I believe that every effort should be made to increase the number of individuals covered by PPACA,
especially as of January 1, 2014 when most of the reform components (Insurance Exchanges, Subsidies,
Tax Credits, etc.) come into play.

The average consumer has a broad definition of “benefits.” Consumers view their health plan beyond the
covered benefits, cost sharing, and the contribution levels associated with the plan.

It is my opinion that the Rule may still result in some confusion to the marketplace in its application. For
example, if an employer raised the copayment level beyond the maximum in one area (i.e. outpatient
services) but retained the copayment level for primary care doctor visits, does that mean a loss of
grandfather status? Clarity will be critical both for the employer and the employee.

Even by the most optimistic estimates, a substantial portion of the employee population will remain
outside the PPACA as of January 2014 based on the current rules. While I understand the difficulty
involved in making change, creating another large sub-population of excluded individuals will only add
to costs, increase confusion, and mitigate the potential impact of the legislation.

The Rule needs to be clear, reasonable, and with no ambiguities involved in determining whether a
group health plan is “in or out.” The decisions the federal government makes today will determine the
outcomes for tomorrow. We may need to make some difficult decisions to create a sustainable health
care system that will support a growing economy in the future. That means getting as many citizens
across the country participating at the beginning to make it work and delivering on its promises to retain
their support.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this regulation.

Robert A. Portillo, D.C.