Summary
The President’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2022 reiterates the Biden Administration’s plans for “creating a public option that would be available through the ACA [Affordable Care Act] marketplaces” but does not include specific policies to advance the reform – a central pillar to Biden’s presidential campaign. Absent action or direction from the Administration, Congressional Democratic health leaders are forging ahead with legislation to establish a federal public option. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee issued a request for information (RFI) on the public option’s key design considerations. Responses are due July 31, shortly before Congress adjourns for its summer recess.
In the 117th Congress, Democrats have introduced various proposals that fit the main parameter outlined thus far – establishes a federal public option plan offered on the Exchange alongside other qualified health plans (QHPs). Chair Murray and Chairman Pallone have not endorsed any public option legislation, but these bills may serve as starting point for their legislation. In the attached memo, we analyze key federal public option bills across various design elements. The memo discusses key similarities and differences and provides a more detailed description of each bill.
- Medicare-X Choice Act (S. 386/H.R. 1277), introduced by Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Reps. Antonio Delgado (D-NY), John Larson (D-CT), and Brian Higgins (D-NY);
- Consumer Health Options and Insurance Competition Enhancement Act (CHOICE Act) (S. 983), introduced by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH); and
- Choose Medicare Act (S. 1180), introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).