Barrett Votes to Lower Premiums, Expand Access, and Restore Integrity in Health Care

Washington, D.C. - Tonight, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) helped pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703) to expand access to affordable health care coverage, increase transparency, and ultimately lower premium costs for all Americans. He released the following statement after the vote:

"Americans deserve an affordable health care system that empowers them to make decisions that work for them and their family. That means more transparency, more accountability, and real reforms," said Barrett. "This legislation takes a critical step towards achieving that goal by giving Americans the freedom to choose their plan without continuing the status quo that only benefits the big insurance companies. I'm eager to continue working to deliver additional reforms that put patients first and finally hold big insurance companies accountable for taking advantage of our broken system."

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act includes multiple reforms designed to address cost-sharing reduction payments, improve transparency in drug pricing, expand association health plans, and increase coverage flexibility. Specifically, the bill does the following:

Expands Association Health Plans for Small Businesses and Independent Workers

• Restores the executive order by President Trump, which would enroll 3.7 million Americans and cover 400,000 previously uninsured individuals.

Lowers Premium Costs Through Cost-Sharing Reduction Payments

• Lowers premiums by at least 11%

• Stabilizes the individual market by appropriating CSR payments.

• Reduces out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copays.

• Reflects a policy previously supported by 196 House Democrats in 2017.

Brings Transparency and Reduces Hidden Drug Costs

• Requires pharmacy benefit managers to report drug spending, rebates, and pricing.

• Gives employers and employees visibility into cost drivers that raise premiums.

Expands Coverage Choices and Strengthens Employer Flexibility

• Allows employees to use tax-free employer contributions to purchase the health plan that works best for them.

• Provides workers with flexible, portable coverage options.

• Protects small employers' ability to offer affordable, customizable benefit plans.

Click here to read the full text.

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