Underwood’s Bill to Increase Access to Quality Health Care Included as Part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
The Health Care Affordability Act of 2021 eliminates the cost of premiums for lower-income households, allows middle-class families to save thousands of dollars, and provides health care coverage for millions of Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C.– On March 11, 2021, a two-year version of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) bill, H.R. 369, the Health Care Affordability Act of 2021, was signed into law as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Health Care Affordability Act of 2021 increases the size of premium tax credits across all income levels and expands eligibility for premium tax credits to people with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), ensuring that millions of uninsured Americans receive coverage and millions of others save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
"Too many Americans can't afford health coverage, and too many people who have coverage are being crushed by expensive premiums. It has long been unacceptable, but during a devastating pandemic, it's even more catastrophic for young people," said Congresswoman Underwood. "My provision in the American Rescue Plan will lower out of pocket premium costs by expanding access to premium tax credits and making them more generous. Ensuring every American has affordable, quality coverage is more important than ever."
As co-chair of Future Forum's Health Care Reform Task Force, Congresswoman Underwood is committed to making policy decisions that consider the unique needs and perspective of America's youth. As our nation continues to face a public health crisis and an economic crisis, it is crucial for young Americans and their families to have access to health care without worrying about going bankrupt. Pre-pandemic studies indicate that over 50% of personal bankruptcies are related to health costs, further proving the essential nature of these provisions. Congresswoman Underwood hopes to see her standalone bill passed in order to permanently secure these protections.
H.R. 369, the Health Care Affordability Act of 2021, is currently cosponsored by nine Future Forum members, including Chairman Darren Soto (FL-09), Vice Chair Haley Stevens (MI-11), Vice Chair Colin Allred (TX-32), Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45) and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07).
All members of the Future Forum Caucus voted to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
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