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Summary: Final Rule Implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the Final Rule implementing the prohibition of discrimination under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. The Final Rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, will help to advance equity and reduce health disparities by protecting some of the populations that have been most vulnerable to discrimination in the health care context. The final rule explains consumers’ rights under the law and provides covered entities important guidance about their obligations.

Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities.

Section 1557 builds on long-standing and familiar Federal civil rights laws: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act). Most notably, Section 1557 is the first Federal civil rights law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all health programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

Section 1557 has been in effect since enactment of the ACA in 2010 and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has been enforcing the provision since it was enacted.

Coverage of the Rule

The rule covers:

− Any health program or activity, any part of which receives funding from HHS (such as hospitals that accept Medicare or doctors who accept Medicaid);

− Any health program that HHS itself administers;

− Health Insurance Marketplaces and issuers that participate in those Marketplaces.

Attention: If you speak any of the listed below languages – language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you.

Please call: State Health Insurance Assistance Program Language Line 800-792-8820

Heel pain is most commonly caused by repetitive stress. With that being said, it may be more common for athletes who perform repetitive movements to be afflicted with heel pain at some point during their activity. Heel pain can occur due to a number of different factors. These may include issues with having poor circulation, complications due to arthritis and diabetes, and poor form when running or exercising, as well as having poor posture.

There are a number of conditions that may also influence pain felt in the heel region. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one example of a condition that affects the heel. This may occur when the nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched, thus causing a numbing or tingling feeling as if the heel has pins and needles in them. Heel bursitis is another condition that commonly brings discomfort to the heel. This condition may arise when inflammation occurs at the back of the heel, often occurring due to landing awkwardly or wearing footwear that puts a good amount of pressure on the heel. As a result, the Achilles tendon may swell, causing the pain to increase throughout the day. Simple exercises focused on strengthening the heel and surrounding areas, as well as focused on building the flexibility of the foot, may help to prevent and treat heel pain.

For a proper diagnosis and advised professional treatment plan, we recommend that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid developing a serious condition.

Ongoing foot pain can often be debilitating for those suffering from the discomfort. In order to help alleviate the pain, a podiatrist may suggest you wear custom orthotics. Custom orthotics fit perfectly for your foot and are made specifically for your type of foot condition. For some, orthotics make performing day to day activities easier and less painful.

Orthotics are especially useful for those with foot pain and those who may have fallen arches. Orthotics may help properly reposition the structures of the foot, easing the pressure and rebalancing the distribution of weight on the feet. Those with arthritic feet or those experiencing pain due to plantar fasciitis may find relief with orthotics, as they also tend to find issues with arch complications. Orthotics are a great way to give your feet extra support, which can come in handy for those who tend to stand or work on their feet for the majority of the day. The next type of patient who made aid in the use of orthotics are those with diabetes. It’s more likely for those with diabetes to develop corns and calluses. When this occurs, the friction of the corn or callus against your footwear can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Orthotics, in this instance, can be useful in reducing the pressure placed upon the affected areas.

If you’d like more information about the type of orthotics that is best for your condition, we suggest you speak with a podiatrist for a professional recommendation.