Scott Introduces Bipartisan Increasing Access to Care Act

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Increasing Access to Care Act, which will allow individuals over the age of 30 to purchase catastrophic health care plans. The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, currently does not allow for Americans over the age of 30 to purchase these plans; this sort of catastrophic coverage can help prevent medical bankruptcy and ensure all families have access to affordable care in case of a medical emergency. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) joined Scott to introduce the legislation.

“By increasing access to affordable health care plans for Americans of all ages, we are offering American families more choices when it comes to their health care,” Senator Scott said. “These plans, currently only available for people under the age of 30, can help prevent medical bankruptcy in the event of emergency, and also ensure more families have the option to choose the health care plan that best fits their needs and budget.”

“Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray have been listening to our constituents, and they’ve set the stage for the rest of us to do what’s right—work together. This bill is a great example of that,” said Senator Carper. “No American should have to file bankruptcy or fall into poverty because of a serious ailment or unexpected medical emergency. The Affordable Care Act made great progress in reducing rates of medical bankruptcies, and this bill will build on that progress by giving more options to Americans to buy into a health insurance plan that kicks in when they need it the most.”

“Many are uninsured now because they cannot afford their premiums on the Obamacare exchanges. Let’s give families another option,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Giving families the power to choose is always good.”

“I have long advocated giving consumers more control over their health care coverage and more choices in the ACA Marketplace,” said Senator Warner. “The bipartisan Increasing Access to Care Act allows the purchase of a less expensive, higher deductible plan with many of the same consumer protections as other plans available through the ACA. Copper plan is not for everyone but it could provide value for some consumers.”

Specifically, the legislation amends Section 1302(e) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which restricts enrollment in catastrophic plans to those under 30 or those with a hardship exemption, by eliminating the provision’s age-based restrictions.