Congress Seeks Bipartisan Fixes for ACA: Public Option, 'Family Glitch' Repair
Congress is exploring bipartisan solutions to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA), following the narrow defeat of the Republican 'skinny' repeal plan. Key areas of focus include fixing the 'family glitch', adding a public option, and ensuring stability of state marketplaces.
The Problem Solvers Caucus, comprising 40 House members, has proposed a five-point plan to repair the ACA system. One key recommendation is to address the 'family glitch', which prevents some household members from buying marketplace insurance if the primary earner has employer coverage. Another crucial suggestion is to introduce a public option, increasing competition and providing a low-cost alternative for consumers.
Experts advise continuing and guaranteeing federal cost-sharing subsidies to insurers, helping them cover low-income policyholders. The state marketplaces, where nearly 11 million people are enrolled, are also a top priority for improvement. Insurance companies must sign contracts with the federal government by Sept. 27, detailing their 2018 marketplace plans. Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats are engaged in discussions to find common ground and stabilize the marketplaces.
With the failure of the Republican repeal effort, bipartisan negotiations are underway to enhance the ACA. The proposed fixes aim to address the 'family glitch', encourage competition with a public option, and ensure the stability of state marketplaces. The upcoming hearings led by Senator Lamar Alexander will play a crucial role in shaping these improvements.
