Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act advancing protections against discrimination in health care.
“CMS is steadfast in our commitment to providing access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage for millions of people who represent the vibrant diversity that makes America strong,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Today’s rule is another important step toward our goal of health equity – toward the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health.
For the first time, the Department will consider Medicare Part B payments as a form of Federal financial assistance for purposes of triggering civil rights laws enforced by the Department, ensuring that health care providers and suppliers receiving Part B funds are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex and disability.
Clarifies that covered health programs and activities offered via telehealth must also be accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency, and individuals with disabilities. Applies the nondiscrimination principles under Section 1557 to the use of patient care decision support tools in clinical care.
This press release provides a summary, not any independent interpretation of Section 1557. The Final Rule may be viewed or downloaded at:
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