Soto, Hernández Introduce Legislation to Establish an Affordable Care Act Exchange in Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act allows the island to receive the same treatment as the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández introduced the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act (PRACA)-legislation to establish an Affordable Care Act exchange, also known as an Obamacare exchange, in Puerto Rico and allow the island to receive the same treatment as the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

"For far too long, Puerto Ricans have been treated as second-class citizens-despite being part of the United States. I'm proud to partner with Resident Commissioner Hernández on this initiative to allow those on the island to receive equal treatment when it comes to healthcare access," said Rep. Soto. "Our hope is that this bill will open the door to key reforms and lead to a system in which Puerto Ricans have access to tiered plans, tax premiums, and cost-sharing reductions."
"Too many families in Puerto Rico navigate a system without the cost-saving tools available elsewhere. Establishing an ACA exchange gives the island the federal support to expand coverage, lower costs, and strengthen our healthcare network. This bill brings Puerto Rico into the proven framework that serves millions of Americans," said Resident Commissioner Hernández

Currently, Puerto Rico's healthcare exchange is not ACA-equivalent and does not offer "Bronze, Silver, Gold" plans or tax premiums and cost-sharing reductions. This bill would provide greater healthcare access, especially for small business owners, their employees, and young people. With approximately 43% of Puerto Ricans living under the poverty line-the highest poverty rate in the United States-it is critical for Congress to act in order for those on the island to have the same access to healthcare as those on the mainland.

For the full text of the bill, please click here.

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