Congressman Biggs Introduces the "Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act"

Statement

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs introduced the Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act. This legislation provides an exemption to the Obamacare individual mandate for individuals residing in counties with fewer than two health insurance issuers offering plans on an Exchange. It also ends the loophole for members of Congress and congressional staff to opt out of the Obamacare exchanges. Congressman Biggs issued the following statement:

"Last year, I promised my constituents that one of my six major goals would be to end the Obamacare loophole for members of Congress and congressional staff. Congress must abide by the laws that it passes. My bill also provides relief to individuals with limited options in the Exchange marketplace, who would be otherwise mandated to choose a health care provider that did not fit their needs. Arizona is in desperate need of this relief as six insurance providers ended or scaled back their services in the state's Obamacare marketplace in 2016, leaving some counties with two or fewer insurance providers.

"I remain committed to seeing a complete repeal of Obamacare as soon as possible. In the interim, this bill ensures that Congress is not exempt from the laws that it passes and provides some relief to individuals who are forced to choose a health care provider with very little options to pick a plan that meets their needs or budget."

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