Congressmen Kim (D-NJ) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Introduce Bipartisan Legislation
to Expand Healthcare Access and Lower Costs

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced H.R.1385, the State Allowance for a Variety of Exchanges, or SAVE Act, which would increase access and lower health care costs by incentivizing the transition to state-based health insurance exchanges.

“Every time I talk with families in New Jersey, I hear how worried people are about the rising cost of health care,” said Congressman Kim. “I came to Congress to get things done for my constituents. I’m proud to make the SAVE Act the first bill I’m introducing because this issue is a top priority. This is a proven, bipartisan approach that would expand access and lower costs. Our families can’t wait for political posturing on health care, they need results. This bill would be a big step in getting them the help they need.”

“We have the opportunity to make needed reforms to lower costs and increase access to health care. 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. “This bipartisan legislation will give states more options and help families access affordable health care so they can get the care they need.”

Through the use of $200 million in competitive grant money, the SAVE Act would ease the transition to state-based health insurance marketplaces for many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, that currently participate in the federally-facilitated exchange and who want to move to a state-based marketplace. Switching to state-based marketplaces would allow residents to avoid rising user fees in the federal marketplace and provide increased access to options that would help lower costs for consumers.

Additionally, a recent report by the nonpartisan National Academy for State Health Policy shows that state-based exchanges are proven to have higher enrollment growth, which has been shown to further bring down costs.

NOTE: SAVE Act fact sheet and video of Congressman Kim’s floor speech are available upon request.