The bill would let states apply for waivers from certain federal health coverage rules to create state-run universal health care plans. A state would need to show how it plans to cover at least 95 percent of its residents within five years and provide a 10-year budget plan that is neutral for the federal budget. Approved plans must meet coverage and affordability standards, include reproductive health care, and undergo reviews every five years.
A state could choose whether to apply; the bill does not require any state to create a plan. If a state receives a waiver, its plan would need to provide coverage at least as comprehensive and affordable as the applicable federal programs it replaces. The bill’s definition of a state resident includes citizens and lawfully residing immigrants whose primary residence is in the state. People eligible for Indian Health Service benefits or benefits under title 38 are excluded from the plan’s requirement to cover all residents.
A state application must include a 10-fiscal-year plan that is budget neutral for the federal government. For approved waivers, federal funds that would otherwise support covered programs would be paid to the state, with amounts adjusted for factors such as enrollment growth and health care inflation. The bill also authorizes appropriations for state activities and the assessment panel, but gives no specific amounts. No publicly available information on total costs.
The bill states that its purpose is to give states a flexible framework for providing comprehensive universal health coverage to residents. No publicly available information on further views from the sponsors.
No publicly available information.