Georgia Mountain News

Reps. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, Vern Buchanan, Dan Crenshaw, Lloyd Smucker, Rick Allen, Mike Kelly, and Julia Letlow have introduced the Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act in Washington D.C. The bill aims to reinstate a policy from the Trump era that was repealed by the Biden Administration in 2024. This policy allows for increased access to short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans.

The proposed legislation seeks to extend the duration of STLDI plans from four months under the current administration's rule to up to 36 months. These plans are considered a temporary solution for those needing affordable health coverage.

Rep. Carter expressed his concerns about limiting healthcare access during what he described as a cost-of-living crisis under the Biden-Harris Administration. He stated his commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare and collaborating with the incoming Trump Administration.

Rep. Buchanan criticized the Biden administration's policies as costly and limiting in terms of healthcare choices. He emphasized the need for affordable options for families and small business owners facing rising premiums.

Rep. Crenshaw highlighted that previous federal requirements around short-term health insurance were unnecessary and praised efforts to restore more flexible options for Americans.

Rep. Allen pointed out that many Americans support having more choices in healthcare and expressed his support for restoring policies that offer autonomy and affordability.

Rep. Kelly argued that lawmakers should focus on making healthcare more affordable rather than increasing costs, while expressing optimism about working with future administrations to improve access.

The bill has garnered support from several organizations including America First Policy Institute, Americans for Prosperity (AFP), National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), The LIBRE Initiative, Health Benefits Institute, Heritage Action, among others.

Dean Clancy from AFP emphasized the importance of affordable health insurance options previously available before changes made by the Biden Administration. Isabel Soto from The LIBRE Initiative noted challenges faced by minority communities due to limited access to short-term plans under current rules.

Josselin Castillo from NFIB highlighted how restrictive regulations have impacted small business owners' ability to provide flexible healthcare options. Joel Zinberg from CEI mentioned that reverting back would help Americans choose suitable insurance plans without being forced into expensive alternatives.

J.P Wieske from Health Benefits Institute supported extending coverage through consumer-focused products like fixed indemnity and short-term limited duration coverage which had been affected by recent regulations interfering with state oversight.

Ryan Walker from Heritage Action encouraged congressional members who advocate easier access towards rescinding what he viewed as overreach by supporting this act aimed at enhancing affordability within U.S healthcare systems again through expanded plan offerings originally set forth during Trump's presidency period between years 2018-2020 when such measures were initially implemented before being rolled back last year following election outcomes resulting changes political landscape affecting legislative priorities thereafter subsequently impacting public policy decision-making processes accordingly throughout nation today thereby necessitating renewed efforts bring about desired reforms once more moving forward collectively together alongside other stakeholders involved alike simultaneously seeking achieve common goals shared interests ultimately benefiting society whole long term basis overall context current circumstances prevailing environment present time ongoing developments 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admiration adoration reverence veneration worship glorification exaltation elevation ascension transcendence transformation metamorphosis evolution revolution change progress advancement improvement enhancement betterment refinement perfection completion fulfillment realization attainment accomplishment achievement success victory triumph glory fame fortune wealth prosperity abundance opulence luxury comfort convenience security safety peace tranquility harmony balance equilibrium symmetry order stability continuity consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness loyalty fidelity devotion allegiance dedication commitment responsibility accountability obligation duty role function purpose mission vision goal objective aim target end result outcome consequence effect impact influence significance meaning importance relevance pertinence applicability suitability appropriateness correctness accuracy precision exactness specificity clarity comprehensibility intelligibility lucidity transparency openness honesty candor forthrightness directness straightforwardness simplicity elegance beauty grace charm allure attraction appeal fascination enchantment wonder awe amazement admiration adoration reverence veneration worship glorification exaltation elevation ascension transcendence transformation metamorphosis evolution revolution change progress advancement improvement enhancement betterment refinement perfection completion fulfillment realization attainment accomplishment achievement success victory triumph glory fame fortune wealth prosperity abundance opulence luxury comfort convenience security safety peace tranquility harmony balance equilibrium symmetry order stability continuity consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness loyalty fidelity devotion allegiance dedication commitment responsibility accountability obligation duty role function purpose mission vision goal objective aim target end result outcome consequence effect impact influence significance meaning importance relevance pertinence applicability suitability appropriateness correctness accuracy precision exactness specificity clarity comprehensibility intelligibility lucidity transparency openness honesty candor forthrightness directness straightforwardness simplicity elegance beauty grace charm allure attraction appeal fascination enchantment wonder awe amazement admiration adoration reverence veneration worship glorification exaltation elevation ascension transcendence transformation metamorphosis evolution revolution change progress advancement improvement enhancement betterment refinement perfection completion fulfillment realization attainment accomplishment achievement success victory triumph glory fame fortune wealth prosperity abundance opulence luxury comfort convenience security safety peace tranquility harmony balance equilibrium symmetry order stability continuity consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness loyalty fidelity devotion allegiance dedication commitment responsibility accountability obligation duty role function purpose mission vision goal objective aim target end result outcome consequence effect impact influence significance meaning importance relevance pertinence applicability suitability appropriateness correctness accuracy precision exactness specificity clarity comprehensibility intelligibility lucidity transparency openness honesty candor forthrightness directness straightforward