Protecting Access to Affordable Coverage Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6760
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6760Health
Protecting Access to Affordable Coverage Act of 2025
INTRO DEC 16· LAST ACTION DEC 16
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it aims to reduce barriers to health insurance access for millions of Americans. By extending the open enrollment period for 2026 and creating an ongoing monthly special enrollment opportunity for low-income individuals, it could lead to more people getting covered and potentially healthier outcomes. This is especially relevant given ongoing discussions about healthcare access and affordability in the country.
If this bill becomes law, it could mean fewer uninsured people, particularly among vulnerable populations who might miss traditional enrollment windows or need more flexible options. It also strengthens in-person assistance for enrollment by ensuring Navigators have a local presence and are publicly funded, potentially making the sign-up process less confusing for many. If it doesn't pass, enrollment periods would likely remain shorter, and the targeted monthly enrollment option for low-income individuals wouldn't exist, potentially leaving more people without coverage.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Extends the open enrollment period for health plans in 2026 from November 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026.
This provides a much longer window for individuals to shop for and enroll in health insurance plans for the upcoming year.
PROVISION 02
Creates a new special enrollment period allowing low-income individuals (up to 150% of the poverty line) who receive financial help to enroll in a health plan once per month.
This offers crucial flexibility for vulnerable individuals to obtain coverage outside the standard annual enrollment period.
PROVISION 03
Repeals certain verification requirements for health insurance enrollment that were established by a prior law.
This simplifies the enrollment process by removing specific steps or conditions previously required for individuals seeking coverage.
PROVISION 04
Requires 'Navigators' (organizations that help with enrollment) to have a physical presence, prohibits them from charging fees or being online enrollment entities, and mandates $100 million in annual funding for federal marketplace Navigators.
This aims to ensure more accessible, in-person assistance for enrollment and consistent funding for these support services.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it aims to reduce barriers to health insurance access for millions of Americans. By extending the open enrollment period for 2026 and creating an ongoing monthly special enrollment opportunity for low-income individuals, it could lead to more people getting covered and potentially healthier outcomes. This is especially relevant given ongoing discussions about healthcare access and affordability in the country.
If this bill becomes law, it could mean fewer uninsured people, particularly among vulnerable populations who might miss traditional enrollment windows or need more flexible options. It also strengthens in-person assistance for enrollment by ensuring Navigators have a local presence and are publicly funded, potentially making the sign-up process less confusing for many. If it doesn't pass, enrollment periods would likely remain shorter, and the targeted monthly enrollment option for low-income individuals wouldn't exist, potentially leaving more people without coverage.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Extends the open enrollment period for health plans in 2026 from November 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026.
This provides a much longer window for individuals to shop for and enroll in health insurance plans for the upcoming year.
high
Creates a new special enrollment period allowing low-income individuals (up to 150% of the poverty line) who receive financial help to enroll in a health plan once per month.
This offers crucial flexibility for vulnerable individuals to obtain coverage outside the standard annual enrollment period.
med
Repeals certain verification requirements for health insurance enrollment that were established by a prior law.
This simplifies the enrollment process by removing specific steps or conditions previously required for individuals seeking coverage.
high
Requires 'Navigators' (organizations that help with enrollment) to have a physical presence, prohibits them from charging fees or being online enrollment entities, and mandates $100 million in annual funding for federal marketplace Navigators.
This aims to ensure more accessible, in-person assistance for enrollment and consistent funding for these support services.
A comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in 2010, often referred to as Obamacare, aimed at expanding health insurance coverage.
Qualified Health Plan
An insurance plan that meets specific requirements set by the Affordable Care Act and is offered on a health insurance marketplace.
Open Enrollment Period
The yearly window when individuals can sign up for, re-enroll in, or change a health insurance plan through the marketplace.
Special Enrollment Period
A time outside of the regular open enrollment period when individuals can sign up for health insurance due to certain life events, like getting married or losing other coverage.
Advance Payment of Premium Tax Credits
Financial assistance from the government that helps eligible individuals and families lower their monthly health insurance premium costs.
Health Insurance Exchange (Marketplace)
A platform where individuals, families, and small businesses can shop for and enroll in health insurance plans, sometimes with financial assistance.
Navigator
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
DEC 16, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 16, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Individuals or organizations funded to help consumers understand their health insurance options and enroll in coverage through the marketplace.
Plan Year
The 12-month period for which a health insurance policy provides coverage, typically beginning on January 1st.
Enhanced Direct Enrollment Entity
A private website or organization that can directly enroll consumers in marketplace health plans, often integrating the enrollment process into their own platforms.
User Fees
Fees paid by health insurance issuers participating in the federal marketplace, which help cover the operational costs of the marketplace.
