The Biden-Harris Administration has issued a letter to CEOs addressing the "Time is Money" initiative, emphasizing the need for improved health coverage experiences for Americans. The letter, dated August 12, 2024, underscores the administration's commitment to alleviating frustrations related to health insurance processes.

President Biden aims to reduce unnecessary red tape and enhance customer service in healthcare. The letter highlights common issues faced by individuals, such as complicated claim processes and poor customer service. It cites a Kaiser Family Foundation survey revealing that 58 percent of people with health coverage encountered problems in the past year, particularly those requiring mental healthcare.

The administration urges CEOs to streamline operations and provide clear information about health coverage. Specific recommendations include enabling online claim submissions, improving customer service response times, ensuring accurate information on websites, and providing clear instructions for appeals.

The letter also stresses compliance with federal laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and No Surprises Act (NSA). It calls for culturally appropriate communication and adherence to anti-discrimination provisions under Section 1557 of the ACA.

Additionally, it mentions actions taken by agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve patient care and transparency. CMS efforts include cracking down on inappropriate prior authorization use and enhancing government websites like HealthCare.gov.

Secretaries Xavier Becerra of Health and Human Services and Julie A. Su of Labor signed the letter, expressing their intention to collaborate with industry leaders to improve Americans' healthcare experiences.

They conclude by inviting CEOs to discuss potential partnerships aimed at enhancing health coverage services.

Sincerely,

Xavier Becerra

Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Julie A. Su

Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor