(NETWORK IN) You’ll soon see your health insurance costs go up if you purchased insurance under ObamaCare. But, Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly (D) says he believes a new bill in the Senate, which was put together by a Democrat and a Republican, will help fix that.
“There are some like myself who recognize the benefits of the existing health care law, as well as the areas that need fixing,” said Donnelly on the Senate floor Wednesday. He said one of the parts that needs fixing can be blamed on the Trump administration.
“Unfortunately as consumers prepare to shop for health insurance plans, there is uncertainty and instability in the marketplace and confusion and higher prices for consumers,” said Donnelly, pointing out that the two companies that offer marketplace health care coverage will have to raise prices.
He said that cost-sharing reduction payments for customers were stopped ten months ago, and that has helped cause the problems.
But, Donnelly said he believes the bill that was co-authored by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), will help solve the problems.
“It makes improvements to our health care system and helps reduce costs for our families. It continues cost-sharing reduction payments that reduce consumers’ deductibles. It also reduces co-pays for two years, restores funding to help American navigate signing up for health insurance.”
Donnelly said federal funding for some components of the system for signing up was reduced by as much as 80 percent in Indiana.
“It enables more flexibility for states without undermining essential health benefits or harming people who have pre-existing conditions,” said Donnelly.
Donnelly said he believes the bill has wide-ranging, bi-partisan support from lawmakers and governors across the country.
The bill will need at least 60 votes to pass the Senate.
