The National Health Council (NHC) praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) for adopting a proposal to apply individual out-of-pocket cost limits to people who purchase family-coverage health insurance plans.

CMS recently announced the decision in a letter sent to employers and media outlets.

NHC said the decision will be a great benefit to patients dealing with chronic illnesses and disabilities because it will make it easier for them to afford the medical services and medications they need.

NHC CEO Marc Boutin said in a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services last month that the NHC was concerned that patients with major health conditions might not be able to afford co-pays and co-insurance. The maximum out-of-pocket limit is a provision of the Affordable Care Act that protects people with chronic conditions from discrimination.

Out-of-pocket cost limits for those covered by family plans could cut out-of-pocket spending by as much as 50 percent.

The full text of the NHC’s letter and past comments can be found online at http://www.nationalhealthcouncil.org/public-policy/letters-comments.

The NHC, founded in 1920, brings together all segments of the health care community. For more information, visit www.nationalhealthcouncil.org.