Washington, DC — House Democrats released parts of their American Rescue Plan Monday night, which includes major provisions to lower health care costs and expand coverage, building on the Affordable Care Act. Increasing financial assistance on the ACA Marketplace means more people will be able to get the affordable coverage they need during the pandemic. The bill will be marked up by the House Ways and Means Committee this week. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“This is a big deal. The health care cost and coverage measures in this bill will make a huge difference for millions of American struggling with the economic and health consequences of the pandemic. It lowers the cost of premiums for millions by increasing financial assistance through the Affordable Care Act and making that support available to more middle class families. It eliminates premiums for people who have lost their jobs to ensure continued coverage. Making health care more affordable and accessible is critical as we continue to face the health and economic catastrophe caused by the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has cost millions of Americans their jobs and their health insurance, and this bill is a historic and much needed step to expand coverage and make sure people can afford the coverage they so desperately need. House Democrats should be applauded for their efforts.”