Ignagni: Stop Calling Names; Start Solving Problems

The goal of AHIP’s policy forum is to “take a step back from politics and instead provide a forum for constructive and in-depth discussion on how to most effectively address the health care challenges facing the country,” Ignagni said.

She defended the industry, saying that, more than a year ago, the industry proposed “robust insurance market reforms” that would guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions.

“We offered comprehensive solutions to bend the cost curve and put our health care system on a sustainable and fiscally-responsible path,” Ignagni said. “We continue to support these objectives and are working to advance solutions that will make health care coverage more affordable for working families and small businesses across the country.”

In related news, AHIP has joined with 10 other employer and insurer organizations, including groups such as the American Benefits Council, Washington, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, to ask Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to push back the current effective dates for many changes in the pending health care reform legislation.

A revised implementation schedule would “help minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition for employees, plan participants and customers,” the groups write.

Many of the proposed changes would require new government regulations, state law changes, state insurance department approval and guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the groups write.

“At an absolute minimum, the effective dates should be no sooner than plan years beginning 12 months after enactment of the legislation with a safe harbor for plan sponsors and health plans that have acted in good faith compliance with the new law,” the groups write.