CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act
Summary
The "CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act" aims to modify and extend the enhanced premium tax credit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also introduces measures to prevent fraud within health insurance exchanges and modernizes pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) accountability. The bill extends the enhanced premium tax credits through 2026 and modifies income thresholds for eligibility.
Expected Effects
The act will likely result in continued premium assistance for individuals purchasing health insurance through the ACA exchanges. Increased oversight of agents, brokers, and pharmacy benefit managers could lead to reduced fraud and greater transparency. The changes to PBM practices aim to lower drug costs for consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Extends enhanced premium tax credits, making health insurance more affordable for some.
- Implements fraud prevention measures in health insurance exchanges, protecting consumers.
- Increases transparency and accountability for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
- Extends the annual open enrollment period for exchanges for the 2026 plan year, providing more time for enrollment.
- Requires exchanges to notify individuals of the value of premium tax credits before enrollment.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulation of agents, brokers, and PBMs may lead to higher administrative costs.
- Some provisions, like those related to PBMs, do not take effect until 2029, delaying potential benefits.
- The extension of enhanced premium tax credits is only through 2026, creating uncertainty for future years.
- The bill's complexity may create confusion for consumers and healthcare providers.
- The bill appropriates significant funds which may increase the national debt.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions related to healthcare fall under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). The modifications to the Internal Revenue Code are authorized by Congress's power to lay and collect taxes (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).