U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake introduced a bill Monday that would extend ability for all individuals to purchase cheaper catastrophic health insurance plans, a press release from the Arizona senator's office said.
The Removing Limitations on Insurance Effectiveness and Flexibility Act would pertain to those affected by the Affordable Care Act's individual health insurance mandate, the press release explained.
In December, the Obama administration announced that those facing insurance cancellation, because they didn't comply with ACA guidelines, would be able to enroll in catastrophic coverage, which are designed to provide a safety net for unexpected medical expenditures.
Under the ACA, these health plans are allowed to be sold only to those under 30, and to people over 30 with a "hardship exemption," the press release said.
However, Flake argued such relief should be for everyone, not just those "chosen by the president."
"Relief from the unaffordable cost of Obamacare coverage ought to be available to everyone, not just a select patchwork of individuals chosen by the president," the Republican said in his statement.
The bill would make these changes permanent and statutory, the press release said.
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