Protecting Access to Affordable Coverage Act of 2025
Summary
The "Protecting Access to Affordable Coverage Act of 2025" aims to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to enhance enrollment in qualified health plans. Key provisions include extending the open enrollment period for 2026, repealing certain verification requirements, and establishing a special enrollment period for low-income individuals. The bill also addresses navigator grants to support enrollment assistance.
Expected Effects
This act is likely to increase the number of individuals enrolled in qualified health plans, particularly among low-income populations. It could also simplify the enrollment process by removing certain verification hurdles. The changes to navigator grants could improve the effectiveness of enrollment assistance programs.
Potential Benefits
- Extended open enrollment period provides more time for individuals to enroll in health plans.
- Repeal of verification requirements simplifies the enrollment process.
- Special enrollment period for low-income individuals ensures continuous access to coverage.
- Navigator grants enhance enrollment assistance, particularly for those who need it most.
- Increased funding for federal exchanges improves the reach of the ACA.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs associated with extended enrollment periods and navigator grants could strain federal resources.
- Repealing verification requirements may lead to increased fraud or inaccurate eligibility determinations.
- The bill's focus on ACA may overshadow other healthcare priorities.
- Potential for increased reliance on government subsidies to fund expanded coverage.
- The specific allocation formulas for navigator grants could create disparities between states.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of its citizens. The expansion of healthcare access through the ACA falls under this purview. However, the extent of federal intervention in healthcare remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
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).