North Tidewater News

WASHINGTON – On July 7, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) applauded the Biden administration for announcing multiple actions to lower health care costs, including limiting short-term plans, promoting transparency in health care, and strengthening the No Surprises Act.

“Today, the Biden administration announced its plans to reverse the previous administration’s rule to expand short-term, limited duration health plans. The rule was just one of a long list of efforts by the Trump administration to sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and destabilize our health care system. 

“These short-term plans are exempt from ACA consumer protections, and—like the junk plans that were commonplace before the ACA—offer limited benefits and little financial protection from high health care costs. By repealing this rule, the Biden administration is ensuring that all Americans—with or without preexisting conditions—have access to the affordable, quality care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

“Moreover, the Biden administration announced plans to strengthen enforcement of the No Surprises Act, the bipartisan law that protects patients from unexpected and often significant out-of-pocket medical bills. The Biden administration is also taking steps to lower health care costs for workers and their families by ensuring transparency in billing practices that currently rip off patients. 

“With today’s announcement, President Biden is delivering on his promise to promote access to affordable health care and lower families’ everyday costs. In Congress, Democrats will continue to advance proposals that build on our progress and fiercely defend the ACA from Republican politicians’ persistent attacks.”

Original source can be found here.