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Trump Addresses Employee Benefits at State of the Union Address

State of the Union 2019

President Trump delivered his 2019 State of the Union Address on February 5, 2019. During his speech, he touched upon several issues that could impact the employee benefits industry, including paid family leave, pre-existing conditions, and lower prescription drug prices.

 

Family Leave

Nationwide paid family leave has been a hot issue due to increased public pressure. President Trump called once again for federal paid family leave. Many states have moved forward and proposed their own versions of paid family leave. He mentioned no specifics of the plan or how it may be funded but this issue would have support from both Republicans and Democrats.

 

Pre-existing Conditions

The guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions has been on shaky ground for a while because ACA provisions have been picked apart and scrutinized by the Trump administration. The president believes that those with pre-existing conditions should receive protections. He’d likely find support from both parties in making a change.

 

Lower Prescription Prices

The president called on Congress to prioritize lowering both health care and prescription drug costs for the American people. This has been an ever increasing pain point for the public. Recent moves in the right direction include:

  • The elimination of gag clauses (when pharmacists are banned from letting customers know about less-expensive options)
  • Hospitals are required to post standard procedure pricing online
  • A proposed rule to eliminate some drug rebates for pharmacy benefit managers in hopes of increasing customer savings

Take note that this is just a speech, and if any actual action or change will come out of this will remain to be seen. Download the bulletin for more info. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on this and more.

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National Insurance Services is not a law firm and no opinion, suggestion, or recommendation of the firm or its employees shall constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult with their own attorney for a determination of their legal rights, responsibilities and liabilities, including the interpretation of any statute or regulation, or its application to the readers’ business activities.

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Ken Zastrow

Ken Zastrow

Ken Zastrow enjoys establishing a strong rapport with his clients. He believes that education is key in helping them understand their benefit plans. Ken has a strong background in both active and post-employment benefit strategies. As Employee Benefits Consultant at National Insurance Services, Ken is responsible for the overall assessment and management of all an employer’s benefit plans including claim reconciliation, policy changes, renewals, and medical and dental analytics. He is also well versed in compliance, benefit integration, and early retiree benefits. Ken is a licensed health and life insurance agent, working with schools, cities, and counties in the Midwest Region.