Senator Rick Scott has introduced new legislation called the More Affordable Care Act, aimed at amending the existing Affordable Care Act (commonly known as Obamacare). The bill seeks to lower health care costs and provide more choices for American families while maintaining protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
According to Senator Scott, “Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises: families didn’t get to keep their insurance plans, couldn’t keep their doctors, and didn’t save money – and neither did the federal government. Instead, Obamacare created a system that left American families with fewer choices, higher costs, and health care that doesn’t meet their needs. That’s obvious, and it’s why President Trump and the American people are demanding solutions to fix this broken system. My new bill makes simple fixes to Obamacare that will make a world of difference to American families by making Americans the consumer, not the government, while giving them options and transparency. Healthcare.gov and state exchanges continue, protections for pre-existing conditions remain in place, and families who need a safety net have one that works for them.”
The proposal would establish Trump Health Freedom Accounts—similar to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)—which would allow federal funds intended for health care support to be sent directly to individuals rather than insurance companies. These accounts would comply with restrictions preventing use on abortion-related services.
Scott outlined additional components of his plan: “Here’s how it works: first, President Trump is right that we have to stop giving tax dollars to big insurance companies and instead send them to families through a Trump Health Freedom Account – an HSA-style account that allows families to use these dollars for any plan they want. Second, let them shop across state lines and purchase the health care plan that best fits their needs. Third, bring transparency to health care so Americans – the consumers and patients – know what things cost so they can make informed decisions. This new system will create market forces to drive competition and reduce costs for families. Americans will always make a better choice for their families than the government will; we should give them that opportunity and take a huge step forward in fixing Obamacare.”
Under this legislation:
– Federal support would be provided directly through HSA-style accounts.
– The law would restrict use of these funds on abortion-related services.
– Consumers could choose from more health plans designed to foster competition.
– A waiver program would allow shopping across state lines within ACA exchanges.
– Any plan approved by a state’s insurance commissioner could be sold on federal or state-run exchanges.
– Transparency measures from President Trump’s executive order would be codified into law so patients can see prices up front before receiving services.
– Existing protections for pre-existing conditions would remain in place.
– The Small Business Tax Credit would be enhanced to promote employer-sponsored coverage.
The bill maintains current infrastructure such as healthcare.gov and state exchanges while seeking changes intended to increase competition among insurers and improve price transparency.
