The coronavirus relief package pending in the U.S. House of Representatives includes changes to health coverage that would impact many Americans.
The legislation, which has not yet passed the House and Senate and has not been signed into law, would make more people eligible for the Affordable Care Act's tax premium subsidies. Increased subsidies will allow more people to purchase reduced-cost health coverage through the Marketplace. If the legislation becomes law, an individual enrolling in Marketplace coverage would not pay more than 8.5% of their income for health coverage. In addition, some people earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level would be eligible for premium subsidies.
The legislation includes other health coverage adjustments including a proposed COBRA premium subsidy through September 2021.
While the legislation has a way to go before it becomes law, it certainly seems as if the next stimulus bill will include assistance with the cost of health coverage.