Rep. Tipton Supports Legislation to Make Health Insurance Accessible for Coloradans

WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., issued the following news release:

Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) supported the VETERAN Act (H.R. 2372) and the Broader Options for Americans Act (H.R. 2579), bills that would make health insurance accessible for more Coloradans.

The VETERAN Act would allow veterans who choose to receive health care services outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system to use premium tax credits provided by the federal government to purchase private insurance. Veterans who choose to use the VA system for health care services will see no change in their benefits.

"It's critically important that the brave men and women who have served our country have access to high quality health care and receive all of the benefits they have earned. The VA system provides many valuable services to our veterans, but veterans should have the ability to seek health care outside of the system if needed," Tipton said.

The Broader Options Act ensures that Americans can use tax credits under the American Health Care Act (AHCA) to purchase insurance through COBRA, a program that allows individuals who may have recently lost employer-sponsored health insurance to extend their health benefits for a limited period of time.

The VETERAN Act and Broader Options Act are part of phase three of the House's effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Phases one and two of the effort are made up of the reconciliation process and administrative action. The House passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) through the reconciliation process on May 4, 2017. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price continues to take action to provide Americans with relief from onerous ACA regulations.

"These two bills are part of our efforts to repeal and replace the ACA with a health care system that works for all Americans," Tipton added. "I remain committed to working towards a system that will ensure every Coloradan, and all Americans, have access to affordable, patient-centered health care services."