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Pappas: American Rescue Plan Already Making Insurance More Affordable for Granite Staters

April 5, 2021

Pappas led an effort last year to provide additional subsidies to help Granite Staters affordable their health insurance during the pandemic.

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded the recent announcement by the New Hampshire Insurance Department that health insurance companies on the federal health care marketplace will allow Granite Staters to change plans during the special enrollment period, allowing them to take advantage of the increased affordability options created by the American Rescue Plan.

"Through increased affordability options passed in the American Rescue Plan, Granite Staters are now able to take advantage of the lower premiums and additional tax credits to get the care they need," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "This legislation made historic improvements to the Affordable Care Act, and I am pleased that the New Hampshire Insurance Department is ensuring Granite Staters can take advantage of the lower premiums and additional tax credits. Quality, affordable, health care should be accessible for all Granite Staters and I encourage anyone already enrolled in the marketplace to take advantage of this opportunity. I will continue to work with my House colleagues and the Biden Administration to build upon the Affordable Care Act and drive down the cost of health care for New Hampshire families."

Specifically, the New Hampshire Insurance Department announced that Ambetter, Anthem, and Harvard Pilgrim will offer deductible and out-of-pocket maximum expense credits for consumers who want to change plans. This will allow Granite Staters to take advantage of the enhanced tax credits and reduced out-of-pocket costs created by the American Rescue Plan without losing out on money they have already spent on their health care in 2021.

New Hampshire, which is one of the 38 states covered by the federal exchange.

First District residents interested in changing plans should visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more about their coverage options. Help with the exchanges is available both in person and over the phone. Visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/ or https://acanavigator.com/nh/home to find resources in your area or call 1-800-318-2596.

Following repeated calls by Congressman Pappas to open a special enrollment period in the federal health care marketplace under the ACA, on January 28, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order reopening the federal marketplace. This action gave Granite Staters access to plans for themselves and their families at a critical time.

On March 13, 2020, Congressmen Chris Pappas (NH-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), and Ted Lieu (CA-33) and over 100 lawmakers urged Secretary Alex Azar to utilize his authority to establish a Special Enrollment Period for patients to seek ACA Marketplace coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congressman Pappas has consistently voted to protect and strengthen the affordable care act. On the very first day of the 116th Congress, Pappas voted to empower House Counsel to intervene in court to defend the Affordable Care Act and protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions. He also supported House Resolution 271, to condemn the Administration's attacks on Americans' health. The budget deal passed in December included provisions that would prevent attacks by the Administration on auto-enrollment and silver loading in the individual market.

Issues:Health Care