Senator Banks Releases Statement on Health Care Freedom for Patients Act

WASHINGTON, D.C, - Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) voted to bring the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act to the Senate floor. The motion failed to meet the three-fifths majority needed to pass. Notably, every Democrat voted no.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Today I voted in favor of advancing the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which would deliver relief directly to American families by putting money back in their pockets and expanding access to affordable plans. Democrats shot down this effort and voted instead to keep prices high with billions more in handouts to insurance companies. I urge them to come to the negotiating table so we can pass a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will actually lower costs."

Background:

Under the "Affordable" Care Act, deductibles increased 43% over 10 years and the Democrats' current plan would cost $335 billion over 10 years without solving the problem. The Health Care Freedom for Patients Act addresses those failures by sending premium subsidies directly to individuals instead of insurance companies. Eligible individuals ages 18-49 would receive $1,000 and ages 50-64 would receive $1,500 every year in Health Savings Accounts paired with more affordable plans. This legislation also lowers premiums for everyone and allows anyone to choose a low-cost catastrophic plan if it fits their needs.

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