U.S. Senators Martha McSally (R-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced legislation yesterday to help Americans who are laid off or furloughed due to COVID-19 continue on their employer’s health plan through December 31, 2020.
“Arizonans who have lost their jobs or remain furloughed due to coronavirus should not have to worry about losing their health insurance too, particularly as we continue to combat a global health crisis,” McSally said. “Our bill will ensure that those whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19 can remain covered by their employers through the end of the year, giving Americans one less thing to worry about during these extraordinarily difficult and unprecedented times. Additionally, it allows Americans to avoid restarting their deductibles and incurring additional out of pocket costs at a time when they’re struggling to make ends meet. This not only saves Americans money, but gives them peace of mind.”
“As the coronavirus wreaks havoc on our job market, it’s vital that Texans continue to have health care options, especially while case numbers are on the rise,” Cornyn said. “This legislation will provide some degree of certainty to folks who have found themselves out of work through no fault of their own.”
“Working Montanans and their families are facing serious hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic including losing their jobs and their health insurance,” Daines said. “That’s why I’m fighting to help cover the costs of Montanans health insurance plans if they lose their job because of COVID-19. Montanans shouldn’t be worried about not having health insurance as we’re dealing with a global pandemic.”
“During these challenging times, Alaskans and Americans need certainty when it comes to continuation of their health care coverage if they are in the unfortunate position of being laid off or furloughed from their jobs,” Sullivan said. “The Continuous Health Coverage for Workers Act bill will help provide such certainty, and I’m glad to sign on as an original cosponsor of this important bill.”
Read the bill text HERE.
Background:
Americans who have been laid off or furloughed have limited health care options, and some of these options could cost the federal government even more money. This bill not only provides certainty for these Americans, but also offers a solution that is more fiscally sound in regard to the federal budget.
At a time of great uncertainty, the Continuous Health Coverage for Workers Act would provide premium assistance for COBRA continuation coverage, including church plans that aren’t traditionally part of the COBRA system.
This bill also includes strong pro-life protections to ensure that none of the federal assistance offered goes toward abortion services.
Additionally, this bill ensures that Americans do not have to restart their deductible halfway through the year while incurring additional out-of-pocket costs.