In comments filed in response to recently issued interim federal rules on grandfather plan status, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states the final rules should be modified to allow plans (in existence as of 3/23/2010) to make changes that advance pro-consumer, pro-innovation principles. Grandfather plans must be permitted to innovate by incentivizing wellness activities, rewarding high quality providers, and incorporating evidence-based medical treatments into plans to improve health outcomes and reduce costs, according to the National Chamber. Plans should be able to make changes to reflect availability of less expensive generics, more effective treatment options and technological developments without losing grandfather status, according to the Chamber.

__

The full statement can be accessed at:http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/comments/100816grandfatherdhealthcomments.pdf