As the U.S. continues to try to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, three U.S. senators are advocating for legislation in support of affordable health insurance options for all Americans.
While affordable health care is not a new topic of conversation, the impacts of the pandemic give a new sense of urgency to the situation. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-New Mexico) reintroduced the State Public Option Act, as a way to provide high-quality health care at a low cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
"The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need to expand access to high-quality and affordable health care coverage to all Americans," Shaheen said, according to InsuranceNewsNet.com. "My bill with Senators Schatz and Lujan would create a public health care option by allowing residents to enroll in their state's Medicaid program, providing flexibility for families while also lowering costs. I'll keep fighting for policies and legislation that ensure every Granite Stater can afford the access to the care that they need."
With more than 30 million people remaining uninsured, if approved, the act would give Americans access to a new public health insurance option, regardless of their income status. The new plan would be created by states having their own Medicaid buy-in program. By doing this, it would give states additional flexibility to adapt health care services.
