RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is bringing the topic of healthcare and insurance coverage back to Congress by re-introducing legislation that aims to expand on the Affordable Care Act.
The new legislation, titled the Medicare X Choice Act, will have a particular focus on bridging the gap for those who live in agricultural communities.
Lack of access to healthcare is a topic that can be overlooked in the more populous areas of Virginia, but around 88% of the Commonwealth is considered rural, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
“In my view, it’s the next step the nation should take,” said Senator Tim Kaine regarding the proposed Medicare X Choice Act.
The Senator from Virginia partnered with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) once again to reintroduce the bill. During his weekly media availability, Sen. Kaine acknowledged that the uninsured rate in the United States has dropped to a record low.
“Yet, we still need to do more,” Kaine said.
This plan builds upon the Affordable Care Act and takes a particular interest in healthcare access in rural communities.
According to the Virginia Rural Health Association, approximately 2.5 million Virginians live in rural communities. Those ample grasslands, pastures, greenery and views can often come with limited access to healthcare and health insurance.
“The services that [the Medicare X Choice Act] would provide would be available in every zip code in the country,” Kaine said.
Another part of the plan would enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse up to 150% of Medicare rates for hospitals and physicians, specifically in rural areas. Leaders said it aims to fight the rising costs of prescription drugs by also allowing the Secretary to negotiate those prices for Medicare Exchange Plans.
“It would not have to cover a profit margin,” Kaine said. “You know, massive executive salaries, TV advertising, return to shareholders.”
Additionally, the plan could cover benefits like maternity and newborn care, as well as mental and behavioral health care. When the bill was first introduced in 2017, some feared the bill was idealistic, but Kaine is hopeful it will make it to the finish line this time.
“The Urban Institute did a study of the Medicare X proposal and indicated that they thought this proposal would convince maybe another million people currently uninsured that they have an affordable health insurance option,” Kaine said.
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is bringing the topic of healthcare and insurance coverage back to Congress by re-introducing legislation that aims to expand on the Affordable Care Act.
The new legislation, titled the Medicare X Choice Act, will have a particular focus on bridging the gap for those who live in agricultural communities.
Lack of access to healthcare is a topic that can be overlooked in the more populous areas of Virginia, but around 88% of the Commonwealth is considered rural, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
“In my view, it’s the next step the nation should take,” said Senator Tim Kaine regarding the proposed Medicare X Choice Act.
The Senator from Virginia partnered with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) once again to reintroduce the bill. During his weekly media availability, Sen. Kaine acknowledged that the uninsured rate in the United States has dropped to a record low.
“Yet, we still need to do more,” Kaine said.
This plan builds upon the Affordable Care Act and takes a particular interest in healthcare access in rural communities.
According to the Virginia Rural Health Association, approximately 2.5 million Virginians live in rural communities. Those ample grasslands, pastures, greenery and views can often come with limited access to healthcare and health insurance.
“The services that [the Medicare X Choice Act] would provide would be available in every zip code in the country,” Kaine said.
Another part of the plan would enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse up to 150% of Medicare rates for hospitals and physicians, specifically in rural areas. Leaders said it aims to fight the rising costs of prescription drugs by also allowing the Secretary to negotiate those prices for Medicare Exchange Plans.
“It would not have to cover a profit margin,” Kaine said. “You know, massive executive salaries, TV advertising, return to shareholders.”
Additionally, the plan could cover benefits like maternity and newborn care, as well as mental and behavioral health care. When the bill was first introduced in 2017, some feared the bill was idealistic, but Kaine is hopeful it will make it to the finish line this time.
“The Urban Institute did a study of the Medicare X proposal and indicated that they thought this proposal would convince maybe another million people currently uninsured that they have an affordable health insurance option,” Kaine said.