Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025
Summary
The "Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025" aims to repeal specific health-related provisions enacted under a prior reconciliation act (Public Law 119-21). It also seeks to expand eligibility for premium tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code, potentially impacting healthcare affordability for many Americans. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would reverse certain healthcare policies established by Public Law 119-21. It would also broaden access to premium tax credits, effectively lowering healthcare costs for individuals and families with incomes at or below 400% of the poverty line.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to premium tax credits for more individuals.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs for eligible families.
- Simplification of the tax code by removing certain affordability-related calculations.
- Reversal of previously enacted health provisions deemed unfavorable by the bill's sponsors.
- May lead to greater enrollment in health insurance plans due to increased affordability.
Potential Disadvantages
- Repealing existing health provisions may disrupt established healthcare programs.
- Potential increase in the federal budget deficit due to expanded tax credits.
- Possible negative impact on the financial stability of health insurance exchanges.
- Could lead to political contention and uncertainty in the healthcare market.
- The long-term effects on healthcare access and quality are uncertain.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions related to taxation and healthcare fall under the purview of Congress's power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States (Article I, Section 8). The repeal of existing laws is also a legislative power granted to Congress (Article I, Section 1). However, the specific impact on individual rights and liberties would need to be assessed in relation to other constitutional amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).