Summary of article from Seyfarth Shaw LLP, by Kristina Launey, Leon Rodriguez:
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination in health programs receiving federal financial assistance. It has been subject to changes across different Presidential administrations since its inception in 2016. The latest regulations, effective from August 6, 2024, restore some repealed provisions and enhance nondiscrimination requirements. The Final Rule restores protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religious objections, and expands its reach to include Medicare Part B providers, private insurance plans, and AI patient decision-making tools. It also mandates language assistance and accessibility services, and re-states federal protections for religious freedom and conscience.