Reps. Fitzpatrick, Kim Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Health Care Access and Lower Costs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced H.R. 1385, the State Allowance for a Variety of Exchanges, or SAVE Act, which would increase access and lower health care costs by incentivizing the transition to state-based health insurance exchanges.

"We have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to health care. With skyrocketing premiums in the federal marketplace, state-based exchanges have proven to be more effective at increasing the rate of coverage and lowering costs," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "This bipartisan legislation will give states more options and help families access affordable health care so they can get the care they need."

"Every time I talk with families in New Jersey, I hear how worried people are about the rising cost of health care," said Congressman Kim. "I came to Congress to get things done for my constituents. I'm proud to make the SAVE Act the first bill I'm introducing because this issue is a top priority. This is a proven, bipartisan approach that would expand access and lower costs. Our families can't wait for political posturing on health care, they need results. This bill would be a big step in getting them the help they need."

"I support the efforts of Congressmen Fitzpatrick and Kim to allow states that believe a state-based exchange would be in the best interest of their residents to access necessary funding to prudently and efficiently establish their own exchange, which will allow states to tailor their exchanges to serve the unique needs of their citizens," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman.

Through the use of $200 million in competitive grant money, the SAVE Act would ease the transition to state-based health insurance marketplaces for 28 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, that currently participate in the federally-facilitated exchange and who want to move to a state-based marketplace. Switching to state-based marketplaces would allow residents to avoid rising user fees in the federal marketplace and provide increased access to options that would help lower costs for consumers.

Additionally, a recent report by the nonpartisan National Academy for State Health Policy shows that state-based exchanges are proven to have higher enrollment growth, which has been shown to further bring down costs.