The newly confirmed HHS secretary, Alex Azar, faces his first test over ACA enforcement as Idaho prepares to roll out loosened market regulations in April, according to The Hill.
Here are three things to know.
1. Idaho's plan to offer insurance policies without all of the ACA's required benefits will lower the cost of those policies, though it is in violation of the ACA. As HHS secretary, it is up to Mr. Azar to enforce federal laws banning these policies.
2. HHS said it would conduct a review of Idaho's policy, though it is unclear what stance Mr. Azar will take.
"While we have not conducted a formal review of Idaho's new guidelines, the state's approach does need to be evaluated," an HHS spokesperson told The Hill. "HHS is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the law and will continue to work with states to provide flexibility where possible."
3. During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Azar expressed his commitment to "faithfully implement the programs as passed by Congress," which would include the ACA if it "is the law of the land and remains such," according to The Hill.