Udall Introduces Continuous Coverage Act to Allow Americans with Canceled Insurance Plans to Retain Their Coverage

Press Release

Citing the concerns of Colorado families recently notified of their insurance companies' decisions to cancel health plans, Mark Udall introduced common-sense legislation today that would allow Americans in the individual insurance market to retain their current health insurance. This bill keeps faith with consumers who want the option of maintaining their current coverage and follows Udall's continued efforts to make sure the health law works better for Coloradans.

"I have repeatedly said that the Affordable Care Act isn't perfect, and it will need to be improved as it is implemented. This common-sense bill ensures the health reform law allows Coloradans to maintain insurance coverage," Udall said. "I share the concern that some health insurance companies are choosing to cancel thousands of Coloradans' plans. That's why my common-sense bill will allow Coloradans the option to keep their current coverage if they want or to purchase new plans through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace that may better meet their health care needs."

The Continuous Coverage Act would:

Ensure that consumers have the choice to keep their current health insurance coverage -- despite any cancellation notices -- for a full two years through December 31, 2015.
Help smooth the transition from our current system to the newly-crafted health insurance marketplaces.
Today's introduction comes on the heels of a meeting last week at the White House in which Udall pressed President Obama to ensure the Affordable Care Act and its implementation work for Colorado. Udall has urged the president to extend the law's enrollment period nationally due to problems with HealthCare.gov. Udall also pressed the White House to ensure that the HealthCare.gov website can keep consumers' personal information secure.

Additionally, Udall cosponsored legislation introduced today by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) which would extend the enrollment period for the new state- and federally-administered health insurance marketplaces, allowing consumers ample time to compare their health insurance options once the website is working properly.

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