Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan bill would update Obamacare to allow state-based marketplaces

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) seeks to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, to let states decide if they want to implement their own healthcare marketplaces.

Rep. Fitzpatrick is the lead original cosponsor of the State Allowance for a Variety of Exchanges (SAVE) Act, H.R. 1385, sponsored on Feb. 27 by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) to increase access and lower healthcare costs by incentivizing the transition to state-based health insurance exchanges.

“We have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to health care,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said last week. “With skyrocketing premiums in the federal marketplace, state-based exchanges have proven to be more effective at increasing the rate of coverage and lowering costs.”

The congressman cited a recent report by the nonpartisan National Academy for State Health Policy showing that state-based exchanges have higher enrollment growth that, in turn, brings down healthcare costs, helping “families access affordable health care so they can get the care they need.”

H.R. 1385 also would provide $200 million in competitive grants to help 28 states transition to state-based health insurance marketplaces, according to Rep. Fitzpatrick, who said the switch would let residents avoid rising user fees in the federal marketplace and provide increased access to options that also could help lower consumer costs.

Rep. Kim said American “families can’t wait for political posturing on healthcare, they need results. This bill would be a big step in getting them the help they need.”

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman said she supports the efforts of Reps. Fitzpatrick and Kim to allow state-based exchanges, “which will allow states to tailor their exchanges to serve the unique needs of their citizens.”

H.R. 1385 has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.