The White House recently released a framework for key provisions in President Biden’s Build Back Better Act to serve as a guide to drafting legislation. The framework lays out steps to tackle many of the country’s most critical challenges, including the expansion of affordable health coverage. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association supports many of the actions outlined in the released framework.
- Statement: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s President and CEO Kim Keck issued the following statement on the White House’s Build Back Better Act framework.“We are pleased with the Build Back Better Act framework that President Biden announced today, which includes many actions to make health care more affordable, equitable, and accessible for all Americans.”
- Extension: The extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits will save individuals and families thousands of dollars each year on their health care premiums, and it will help millions of people living in states that have not expanded Medicaid. This framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
- Finalized: As the package is finalized, it is important for Congress to protect the more than 27 million people covered by the Medicare Advantage program by upholding its current benefits and structure.“We will continue to work closely with Congress on items of critical importance to the American people, including prescription drug reform, improving health equity, and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability,” said Kim
- Combinations: Combined with savings from repealing the Trump Administration’s rebate rule, the plan is fully paid for by asking more from the very largest corporations and the wealthiest Americans. The 2017 tax cut delivered a windfall to them, and this would help reverse that—and invest in the country’s future. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes.
- Coverages: The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 35 independent, community-based, and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.
