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ATION &
PUBLIC BRANCH As of: September 03, 2010

PUBLIC Status: Posted

Posted: Septeriber 03, 2010
SUBMISSION comments Due: August 16, 2010

Submission Type: Web

Docket: IRS-2010-0010
Group Health Plans and Health 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-2010-0010-0684
Comment on FR Doc # 2010-14488

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Submitter Information

Name: Ross Yeagers Kennard
Address:
650 Ritchie Hwy, Suite 106
Severna Park, MD, 21146
Email: Rosskennard@msn.com
Phone: 410-262-8248
Fax: 410-421-5549
Organization: Kennard Chiropractic & Physical Therapy
Government Agency Type: Federal
Government Agency: ABMC

General Comment

Please see attached letter.

Attachments

IRS-2010-0010-0684.1: Comment on FR Doc # 2010-14488

https://fdms.erulemaking.net/fdms-web-agency/component/submitterInfoCoverPage?Call=P... 9/3/2010


650 Ritchie Highway, Suite 106
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-421-5544

KCPT We Care

El Kennard Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

September 3, 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.

Ross Kennard D.C.

www.KCPT.co!