H.R.90 - Health Coverage Choice Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 90, the "Health Coverage Choice Act," aims to amend the Public Health Service Act by defining short-term limited duration insurance. The bill specifies that such insurance should have a contract expiration date less than 12 months from its start and a duration of no more than three years, including renewals. This redefinition could impact the availability and affordability of health insurance options.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to codify a specific definition of short-term limited duration insurance. This could lead to changes in the regulatory landscape for these types of plans. Consumers might see more or different options for short-term health coverage.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower premiums for some individuals seeking short-term coverage.
- Increased choice in health insurance plans.
- Flexibility for individuals with temporary insurance needs (e.g., between jobs).
- Could fill gaps in coverage for those not eligible for other programs.
- May reduce the number of uninsured individuals, albeit with limited coverage.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Short-term plans often have limited benefits and may not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Could destabilize the individual insurance market by drawing healthier individuals away from comprehensive plans.
- Potential for higher out-of-pocket costs if significant medical needs arise.
- May lead to confusion among consumers who do not fully understand the limitations of these plans.
- Reduced consumer protections compared to ACA-compliant plans.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which includes the power to regulate commerce. The regulation of health insurance falls under this purview. However, the specific details of the bill and its implementation would need to be carefully examined to ensure they do not infringe upon individual rights or exceed the scope of congressional authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).