Congress urged to create program to lower individual market premiums

Eight national organizations representing health care, business and coverage providers, including the AHA, yesterday urged Congress to quickly establish a premium reduction/reinsurance program to lower premiums in the individual health insurance market. “The individual market is a critical source of coverage for millions of Americans, helping them to access care,” the organizations said in a letter to congressional leaders. “Unfortunately, however, individual market premiums are often unaffordable for many middle class families who do not receive any financial assistance. With health insurers finalizing their premium rates for 2020, the time is now for Congress to establish a premium reduction/reinsurance program to help cover the costs of people with significant health care needs and improve the affordability of health care coverage.”

In addition to the AHA, the letter was signed by America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Benefits Council, American Medical Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Federation of American Hospitals, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.