56°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Nye congressman Horsford targets out-of-pocket health care costs

Updated January 1, 2020 - 7:00 am

Nye County’s congressman, U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford is joining two other U.S. House members in introducing the Fair Indexing for Health Care Act to reduce out-of-pocket costs by reversing the administration’s rule that would make fewer Americans eligible for the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium tax credits and cause those who are eligible to receive less in tax credit support.

“While the Democratic majority continues to fight to lower health care costs for Americans across the country, we are simultaneously tasked with protecting American families from harmful policies put in place by the current administration. In this case, we are fighting against a biased policy that hurts families accessing their health care through the Affordable Care Act,” Horsford, D-Nevada, said.

“The Fair Indexing for Health Care Act would save families in my district, and across the country, from unjust out-of-pocket charges on their health care purchased under the Affordable Care Act. No parent or individual should bear the burden of unfair tax policies or increased out-of-pocket limits on their care and I am proud to sponsor legislation that protects access to affordable health care,” the statement said.

Nearly 84,000 individuals and families enroll in health insurance via the Affordable Care Act. In April 2019, the Trump administration changed the index by which eligibility for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits and maximum out-of-pocket limits are set each year, creating a 2.5 percent increase in the maximum out-of-pocket limit on health care costs for those Nevadans and others across the country who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health care. That amounts to a $200 increase in the cap on out-of-pocket costs for individuals and a $400 per year increase for families.

Horsford joined U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey and U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui of California in introducing the Fair Indexing for Health Care Act

The Fair Indexing for Health Care Affordability Act is a common-sense solution that will protect costs and make health care more accessible for South Jersey individuals and families, Van Drew said. “We should be working on solutions to lower out-of-pocket expenses, not increase them.”

Matsui said: “Premium tax credits are a vital tool in reducing out-of-pocket costs and making plans more affordable for low-income and working-class Americans. When the Administration announced that it would be recalculating its benefit formula, it deliberately chose to raise out-of-pocket expenses on families who are already squeezed by rising costs – another in a long line of ACA (Affordable Care Act) sabotage efforts. “By reversing this regulation, we can take meaningful steps toward stabilizing our health system, easing the burden on consumers, and protecting middle-class families.”

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.