FGA Responds to CEA Report on Impact of Expanding Affordable Insurance Options

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The Foundation for Government Accountability issued the following news:

Today, the White House Council of Economic Advisors released a report predicting expanding access to association health plans and short-term plans would result in billions of dollars of benefits per year. The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) applauds the Trump administration's leadership on expanding health insurance options for consumers and millions of uninsured Americans.

Health insurance premiums have more than doubled since 2013, and nearly 30 million Americans remain uninsured, many priced out of the market by rising premiums or unworkable options. Association health plans and short-term plans offer increased choice to consumers, allowing them to select the plan that is right for them at a price point they can afford. Short-term plans are 50-80 percent less expensive than plans on the individual market. It is estimated that nearly two million Americans would gain coverage through short-term plans.

"The CEA report reaffirmed what we already knew: expanding access to innovative options like short-terms plans and association health plans will restore consumer choice and save Americans money. These plans are options for the nearly 30 million Americans who remain uninsured today, and they're options for the millions more who are struggling to afford their premiums," said Josh Archambault, senior fellow at FGA.

"More states across the country are taking interest in these options and working to advance them, and the public support for these plans is undeniable. The Trump administration is taking a huge step forward in expanding affordable health insurance for Americans."