CDHP testifies to IOM Committee on Determination of Essential Benefts

CDHP's Testimony
On January 14, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Determination of Essential Health Benefits held a public workshop where CDHP's own Meg Booth presented comments to the committee based on CDHP's response to IOM's recent Essential Health Benefits Survey. As the only dental organization invited to testify before the IOM Committee on Essential Health Benefits, CDHP called for:

• a meaningful pediatric dental benefit;
• an affordable pediatric dental benefit;
• and a benefit that incentivizes risk-based care for disease prevention and management.

To listen to the entire session, click here (RealPlayer is required.)

About the Committee
At the request of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is conducting a study on the criteria and methods for determining and updating the essential health benefits package outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The IOM will not define the specific services to be offered by the benefit package but will instead, review the process by which insurers determine covered benefits as well as medical necessity. IOM will provide guidance to the Secretary, making recommendations on the policies and criteria to consider when reviewing Qualified Health Plans for with regard to categories of care; health care needs of special populations; and nondiscrimination based on age, disability, or life expectancy. Additionally, the IOM will offer advice on criteria and a process for periodically reviewing and updating the benefits package.