Rep. Jeff Hurd Leads Bipartisan Effort to Unveil Health Care Bill

In a significant bipartisan initiative, Rep. Jeff Hurd from Colorado, along with three other House members, has unveiled the HOPE Act. This legislation, formally titled the Bipartisan Healthcare Optimization, Protection, and Extension Act, aims to address the looming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits set for December 31.

Key Features of the HOPE Act

The HOPE Act proposes to extend premium tax credits for individuals and families earning less than 600% of the federal poverty level. It introduces rigorous measures aimed at enhancing the integrity of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchanges.

• Extension of premium tax credits for low-income enrollees.
• Stronger guardrails to combat broker fraud.
• Implementation of the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act measures.
• Regular checks against the federal Death Master File.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

According to Hurd, the HOPE Act aims to maintain healthcare affordability while improving transparency and accountability within the system. “The HOPE Act is a practical, bipartisan solution that addresses immediate healthcare costs,” Hurd stated in a news release. He emphasized the need for responsible reforms to stabilize healthcare costs for families.

Bipartisan Support for Healthcare Reform

The act has garnered support from Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.). Hurd noted that healthcare costs transcend party lines, affecting constituents regardless of political affiliation. “This is something that your constituents care about,” he remarked on November 21 outside the Capitol.

Provisions to Prevent Fraud

The proposed legislation not only focuses on premium tax credit extensions but also intensifies measures to prevent fraudulent activities among insurance brokers. The HOPE Act establishes a “preponderance of evidence” standard, determining when brokers should be disallowed from participating in ACA marketplaces.

The advancements brought through this bill signify a collective effort to manage healthcare affordability and protect vulnerable populations during a critical time.