WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Crenshaw joined Congressmembers Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-1), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Julia Letlow (LA-5) in introducing the Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act (H.R. 379), a bill that reinstates a Trump-era policy which increases health care options and lowers costs for Americans, following the Biden Administration’s repeal of the rule in 2024.
This bill reinstates individuals’ access to short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans for up to 36 months, an increase from the Biden Administration’s rule limiting access to 4 months. STLDI provides Americans with affordable, temporary health coverage options. For millions of Americans, STLDI is the only option for filling a gap in health insurance coverage.
“Limiting Americans’ access to health care is never good policy, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis courtesy of the Biden-Harris Administration. I’m proud to lead this effort ensuring that health care is accessible and available to all patients in need and will continue working hand-in-hand with the incoming Trump Administration to Make America Healthy Again,” said Rep. Carter, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
“The first Trump Administration expanded plan offerings by removing unnecessary federal requirements around short-term health insurance. The idea is simple: if you need comprehensive long-term coverage, you get comprehensive long-term coverage. If you need short-term insurance—maybe you’re between plans or young and healthy—get short-term insurance,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “I’m glad we’re taking this first step to reclined Joe Biden’s overwrought regulations and restore health care options for all Americans.”
“The Biden administration’s rule limiting Americans’ heath care choices is misguided and costly. Rising health insurance costs are crippling small business owners and families with soaring premiums, forcing Americans to pay for more expensive health insurance. Americans deserve to have more options on the table that are affordable for them and their families. I look forward to working with Congressman Carter and the incoming Trump administration to rescind this and other ill-advised Biden administration health care policies to ensure that Americans can make personal decisions about their own health care,” said Rep. Buchanan, Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health.
“Americans overwhelmingly support choice in healthcare. Yet, the Biden Administration has consistently issued unnecessary rules that limit options, increase costs for consumers, and could leave more Americans uninsured. I am proud to cosponsor Representative Carter’s Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act, which would restore a Trump-era policy giving hardworking taxpayers additional options and autonomy for short-term care. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to bring commonsense, consumer-driven reforms to our nation’s healthcare system,” said Congressman Allen.
“Lawmakers should work to make health care more affordable for Americans, not more expensive. This legislation would expand health care freedom and reverse this problematic and costly Biden administration measure. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to improve health care access and affordability,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax.
The bill boasts support from: America First Policy Institute, Americans for Prosperity (AFP), National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), The LIBRE Initiative, Health Benefits Institute, Heritage Action, and several additional organizations.
Read full bill text here.