Dear Representative Cramer:
On behalf of the members of National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I write to endorse H.R. 3976, the “Access to Marketplace Insurance Act.” This bipartisan, common-sense legislation permits charitable organizations to make premium assistance payments on behalf of individuals and families.
For individuals suffering from chronic and serious illnesses, the price to sustain their health insurance can be incredibly costly and place an enormous financial burden on their families. Many of these patients rely on support from charities and nonprofits to make a portion of their premium payments in order to afford their steep monthly payments. Unfortunately, under guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health insurers operating under Obamacare are allowed to deny non-profits from contributing to premiums and copays for patients.
Patients losing this vital source of financial support could be forced from their private insurance plans onto government programs, such as Medicare of Medicaid. In addition to reducing quality of care for these patients, it would further strain taxpayer-funded programs that are already confronting vast fiscal difficulties.
Thankfully, your legislation corrects this harmful guidance and will ensure that patients have another tool at their disposal to have access to the care that is right for them, and does so at no added cost to taxpayers. The “Access to Marketplace Insurance Act” goes a long way toward protecting patients as well as taxpayers. NTU is pleased to endorse H.R. 3976 and we urge all members of Congress to cosponsor your legislation and work towards its swift passage.