WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Health Coverage Across State Lines Act, which would allow health insurers to offer individual health insurance plans across state lines. This legislation would lower costs, expand options, and increase competition in the insurance marketplace.

“Families shouldn’t be stuck with one or two overpriced insurance options just because of where they live,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would empower Americans to choose the health insurance plan that works for them by allowing insurers to sell plans across state lines. Opening up the marketplace would drive down costs, expand choice for families, and break up insurance monopolies.”

BACKGROUND

• Currently, millions of Americans are left with only one or two options when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan and are prevented from buying across state lines.

• Across-state-line purchases of health insurance would put consumers in the driver’s seat, letting families shop for coverage that fits their needs instead of being locked into one state’s limited offerings.

• Allowing health insurers to compete across state lines breaks up insurance monopolies, putting downward pressure on premiums.

• Small businesses and self-employed Americans face the highest premiums and fewest choices in today’s market. Across-state-line sales would allow them to access broader, more affordable enrollment options.

THE HEALTH COVERAGE ACROSS STATE LINES ACT

• The Health Coverage Across State Lines Act would allow health insurance plans to be sold across state lines and ensure they are governed by the laws of the insurer’s “primary” state, even when sold in secondary states. This would remove regulatory barriers that currently fragment the insurance market along state boundaries and limit plan availability and affordability for consumers. 

• This legislation would create real competition where none currently exists for millions of Americans living in one or two insurer states.

Click here for bill text.

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