Pass Area Lawmaker Introduces 'Marketplace Certainty Act'

BANNING, CA – A Pass Area lawmaker on Tuesday introduced a bill aimed at providing permanent funds to health care subsidies. Dubbed the Marketplace Certainty Act, HR 3258 is Dr. Raul Ruiz's effort to increase stability in healthcare, his office says.

Here's more on the bill, courtesy of the Office Of Dr. Ruiz.:

Today Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) announced the introduction of H.R.3258, the Marketplace Certainty Act. This bill will help millions of Americans afford health care by permanently funding Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) subsidies and expanding access to more hardworking families. Currently, seven million Americans rely on these critical subsidies to afford out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles and co-payments.

To date, the Trump administration has refused to commit to funding CSRs, causing uncertainty in the marketplaces. Without a commitment, instability will continue, costs will skyrocket for hardworking families, and insurers will exit the marketplaces. Estimates show that if CSRs are not funded, health insurance premiums will rise by an average 19 percent and in some cases as high as 30 percent. The Marketplace Certainty Act provides stability by expanding and permanently funding CSRs. H.R.3258 is the House companion bill to S.1462, which was introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in June.

“Patients are facing skyrocketing premiums and health insurers are leaving the marketplaces because of the uncertainty created by Republican leaders threatening to not pay for Cost Sharing Reductions,” said Dr. Ruiz. “The Marketplace Certainty Act will provide stability by permanently funding CSRs and increasing eligibility to 400 percent Federal Poverty Level. This will undoubtedly help stabilize premiums, keep insurers in the markets, and help working, middle-class families afford the care they need. This is pragmatic, commonsense legislation to stabilize the marketplace.”

The Affordable Care Act made subsides available to individuals and families who earn between 100 and 250 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL). H.R.3258 expands eligibility to those earning under 400 FPL. This provides additional assistance to help hardworking Americans afford out-of-pocket costs and stay healthy.

In May, Dr. Ruiz and 195 other Democrats wrote to President Trump asking for his commitment to funding Cost Sharing Reductions.Click here to learn more about the Marketplace Certainty Act.

What do YOU think of this bill? Tell us in the comments below!

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone