Reps. Kim and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to
Help States Lower Health Care Costs

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced the introduction of the bipartisan State Allowance for a Variety of Exchanges Act of 2021, or SAVE Act. The bill, which will be discussed tomorrow in a hearing of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, would authorize grants for states to establish and run state-based exchanges through the Affordable Care Act.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reminder of the importance of quality, affordable health care,” said Congressman Kim. “We can achieve this by coming together in a bipartisan way to strengthen programs that work. We know that state-based exchanges often result in lower costs and better coverage, and by passing the SAVE Act, we can make sure those savings are passed down to our neighbors who need the help now. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Fitzpatrick to introduce this bill and look forward to having it taken up in committee.”

The SAVE Act was originally introduced by Congressmen Kim and Fitzpatrick during the 116^th Congress and was passed through the House, but not the Senate. Since the bill’s original introduction, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have introduced state-based exchanges. The bill has been updated to support states that have introduced exchanges since 2019. Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania would be eligible for assistance.

A recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute shows that state-based exchanges can operate “better and cheaper” allowing state officials to “direct cost-savings to programs that will benefit policyholders and expand coverage.”

“Now, more than ever, during the health pandemic, it is vital that we ensure all families in our communities have access to the care they need. Right now, with our bipartisan SAVE Act, we have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to health care for all members of our community. 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. “Our bipartisan legislation will provide states with an increased number of options and guarantee that families in Pennsylvania, and across our nation, have access to the necessary care to lead full, healthy lives.”

The full text of the bill can be found by clicking here.

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.