Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Andy Kim announced the introduction of the State Allowance for Variety of Exchanges Act of 2021.
The bill would authorize grants for states to establish and run state-based exchanges through the Affordable Care Act.
“Now, more than ever, during the health pandemic, it is vital that we ensure all families in our communities have access to the care they need. Right now, with our bipartisan SAVE Act, we have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to healthcare for all members of our community. 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,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan legislation will provide states with an increased number of options and guarantee that families in Pennsylvania, and across our nation, have access to the necessary care to lead full, healthy lives.”
The act was originally introduced by Fitzpatrick and Kim during the 116th Congress and was passed through the House, but not the Senate. They cite a recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute that shows state-based exchanges can operate “better and cheaper,” allowing state officials to “direct cost-savings to programs that will benefit policyholders and expand coverage.”
