Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023

1/1/2025, 12:06 PM

Summary of Bill HR 485

Bill 118 hr 485, also known as the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to ensure that all patients have access to quality health care services, regardless of their financial situation or pre-existing conditions.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the protection of patients with pre-existing conditions. Under this legislation, insurance companies would be prohibited from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on a person's medical history. This is aimed at ensuring that individuals with chronic illnesses or other health issues are not discriminated against when seeking health insurance.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve access to affordable health care by expanding Medicaid coverage and increasing subsidies for individuals purchasing insurance through the health care marketplace. This is intended to make health care more affordable for low-income individuals and families who may struggle to pay for coverage. Furthermore, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 includes provisions to address surprise medical billing, which occurs when patients receive unexpected bills for services provided by out-of-network providers. The bill aims to protect patients from these surprise bills and ensure that they are only responsible for paying their in-network costs. Overall, Bill 118 hr 485 is focused on ensuring that all patients have access to quality, affordable health care services. By addressing issues such as pre-existing conditions, Medicaid coverage, and surprise medical billing, this legislation aims to improve the overall health care system in the United States and provide better care for all patients.

Congressional Summary of HR 485

Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023

This bill prohibits all federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and federally funded state health care programs (e.g., Medicaid) from using prices that are based on quality-adjusted life years (i.e., measures that discount the value of a life based on disability, age, or terminal illness) to determine relevant thresholds for coverage, reimbursements, or incentive programs.

Current Status of Bill HR 485

Bill HR 485 is currently in the status of Failed in House since February 7, 2024. Bill HR 485 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 24, 2023.  Bill HR 485's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 485

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
3
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
15
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
15
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 485

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Child healthGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementHealth care costs and insuranceHealth care coverage and accessMedicaidPoverty and welfare assistanceVeterans' medical care

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 485

Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit the use of quality-adjusted life years and similar measures in coverage and payment determinations under Federal health care programs.
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