Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Protect Iowans' Access to Healthcare Coverage

Press Release

Amid reports that Iowans who rely on healthcare insurance purchased through a state's exchange could be left without any options for coverage, Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation to protect Iowans where no coverage options may be available.

"Folks in Congress need to understand that these are real people and real lives we are talking about. My legislation is not meant to be a permanent fix, but we need to give the folks in Iowa who could lose their insurance an option aside from entering into the state's high-risk pool, which is often expensive and provides poor coverage," said Loebsack. "Both Washington and Des Moines need to come together and provide a way forward that will ensure stability for Iowans who rely on the exchange to provide their healthcare coverage."

The Healthcare Options for All Act would provide any Iowan living in a county with no access to a qualified health plan offered through a state's Exchange access to health insurance coverage. The coverage would be provided through the DC Health Exchange, called DC Healthlink, which is the same coverage offered to Members of Congress and their staffs through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Loebsack continued, "My number one goal throughout the debate over healthcare insurance has been to ensure Iowans have access to quality, affordable coverage. If the reports of all insurers pulling out of Iowa's Exchange do become reality, then it is imperative for those Iowans to have access to healthcare coverage."

Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri has introduced the same legislation in the Senate.

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