Reps. Schrier, Sewell, Manning Introduce Bill to Bring Down the Cost of Health Care

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Kathy Manning (NC-06) today introduced the Capping Costs for Consumers Act that will reduce co-pays and deductibles for consumers. Reps. Schrier and Sewell are co-chairs of the New Democrat Coalition Health Care Task Force.

"As a doctor, I know that people often put off seeing a doctor for a small issue because of the costs--whether that's a high deductible before coverage kicks in or an expensive co-pay for an office visit. But then that small issue can become much more serious and costly," said Rep. Schrier. "The Capping Costs for Consumers Act will bring down the cost of care for millions of Americans to make sure they can access the care they need, when they need it."

The Capping Costs for Consumers Act will reduce costs for people enrolled in federal marketplace plans by increasing the value of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) assistance and expanding eligibility. Studies show that deductibles and out-of-pocket costs deter people from seeing their primary care provider or sometimes even enrolling in a health plan. This bill will encourage more Americans to get covered and receive necessary care. This legislation builds off the success of provisions passed in the American Rescue Plan that caps premiums at no more than 8.5% of family income.

This translates to an average family in the 8th district saving an estimated $2,500 in out-of-pocket costs--seeing their deductible go down by more than 80% to less than $500.

"Quality, affordable health care is a right for every American and not just the privileged few," said Rep. Sewell. "The reality is that for too many Alabamians, high deductibles make coverage unaffordable and inaccessible. By capping deductibles and driving down out-of-pocket costs, the Capping Costs for Consumers Act will help make health care more affordable for the more than 160,000 Alabamians enrolled in the Affordable Care Act's exchange. This is one more step toward ensuring that everyone has access to the health care coverage they deserve."

"By capping deductibles and bringing down the cost of health care, we can help ensure that more people can access the preventative care and treatments they need," said Congresswoman Manning. "The Capping Costs for Consumers Act will decrease the out-of-pocket cost for the more than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in the Affordable Care Act's marketplace while raising the standard of care. I'm proud to co-lead this bill that makes health care more affordable and accessible and encourages people to get covered."

"Increasing and expanding the federal subsidies available through Washington Healthplanfinder would help tens of thousands of Washingtonians get covered, stay covered, and more effectively use their coverage," shared Washington Health Benefit Exchange Chief Marketing Officer Michael Marchand. "Customers report skipping needed appointments and stretching medications due to cost concerns. This bill speaks directly to those concerns."

In Washington state, people can sign-up for health coverage that's eligible for federal assistance through Washington Healthplanfinder. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan to reduce health insurance premiums, more than 145,000 people have already seen their premiums decreased by an average of $90 a month. Individuals can sign up now through August 15, 2021 at wahealthplanfinder.org.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been leading this effort in the Senate.

"The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how important access to quality health care is to save lives," said Senator Shaheen. "Congress must make every effort to lower health care costs for families, which is why I'm proud to lead the effort in the Senate to reduce deductibles, copays and premium costs. I'm encouraged that provisions from my bill were included in President Biden's American Rescue Plan on a temporary basis, but those changes must be permanent and we must also expand cost-sharing assistance to help lower out-of-pocket costs for American families. Millions of low-and middle-income families are breaking the bank to afford the care they need -- this bill is a critical step to strengthen our health care system and ensure no family falls through the cracks. I appreciate Rep. Schrier's partnership in our effort to reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket costs at this time when people need help most."

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