Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

ACA Marketplace Integrity Act

Summary

The ACA Marketplace Integrity Act aims to modify the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by introducing a minimum monthly premium payment for individuals receiving premium tax credits and requiring additional enrollment verification procedures. Specifically, it sets a minimum $5 payment and mandates government-issued photo identification for enrollees over 18. It also enacts a final rule related to marketplace integrity and affordability.

Expected Effects

The Act will likely increase the cost of healthcare for some individuals receiving premium tax credits under the ACA. It will also add a layer of verification requirements for enrollment in qualified health plans, potentially impacting enrollment rates.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially reduces fraudulent enrollments in ACA marketplaces.
  • May lead to a more financially stable marketplace by ensuring some contribution from all enrollees.
  • Could streamline the enrollment process through clearer verification standards.
  • May improve the accuracy of eligibility determinations for premium tax credits.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increases the financial burden on low-income individuals who rely on premium tax credits.
  • Additional verification requirements may create barriers to enrollment, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • The $5 minimum premium may disproportionately affect those with very low incomes.
  • Could lead to decreased enrollment rates due to increased costs and administrative hurdles.

Constitutional Alignment

The Act's constitutionality is primarily related to Congress's power to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8). The requirement for photo identification could raise concerns related to equal protection if it disproportionately affects certain groups, but this is unlikely to be a strong argument. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.

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).