The House of Representatives passed the Keep your Health Plan Act on Friday, which would enable insurance companies to sell healthcare policies that are currently in place next year without using the healthcare exchange implemented under the Affordable Care Act.
The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), would also “grandfather” these policies so that they meet the minimum coverage requirements outlined in the ACA.
“This bill is to help provide peace of mind to folks like the farmer in Bangor, Mich., who just found out, after purchasing his family’s insurance for the last 30 years, that he will be able to keep their plan no more,” Upton said. “And the sticker shock will be unbearable as their premiums double and their deductible jumps nearly $3,000 (under the ACA).”
Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-La.), who voted in favor of the bill, said approximately 93,000 people in Louisiana have received notice that their healthcare plans will be cancelled since implementation of the ACA in October.
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), who also voted in favor of the bill, said House Republicans “will continue to do everything in our power to stop Obamacare from harming individuals and their families” and will replace the law with new patient-centered reforms.
The measure will next advance to the Senate for consideration.