WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a package of commonsense health care reforms that deliver affordability and choice for Americans by addressing the root causes of rising health care costs.

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act lowers insurance premiums, cuts hidden costs, and gives families and workers more control over how they pay for health care.

“For too long, Washington has pushed a one-size-fits-all health care system. Farmers, small business owners, and working families are paying more every year while options keep shrinking,” said Rep. Finstad. “By passing this legislation today, we are lowering costs and expanding options that put patients first. This ensures hardworking Americans, especially in southern Minnesota’s rural communities, can access the affordable health care that works for them.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act includes:

• Cost-Sharing Reductions: Lowers premiums by 11% and stabilizes the induvial market and reduces out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Directing funding in this manner will make health care more affordable by lowering what families are paying for when they use their insurance, not just what they pay each month.
• Hidden Drug-Costs: Requires pharmacy benefit managers to report drug spending, pricing, and rebates. This gives employees and employers transparency in drug pricing.
• CHOICE Arrangements: Organizes and strengthens previous rules that allow employers to provide tax-advantaged health care funds for employees to purchase their own coverage, renamed as “CHOICE arrangements,” which permit employees to use tax-free employer contributions to purchase the plan that works best for them.
• Association Health Plans for Small Businesses and Independent Workers: Expands access to Association Health Plans by allowing employers of small businesses, and self-employed individuals, to band together to access large group health insurance benefits, at a lower cost. This creates continuity across industries to purchase affordable, high-quality coverage, and gives businesses the opportunity to negotiate better rates and access to benefits typically only available to larger companies.