Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) has voted in support of H.R. 6703, known as the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The legislation aims to reduce health care premiums, expand access and choice, and increase transparency within the U.S. health care system.
Evans stated, “State and Federal Democrats broke the American healthcare system — driving up costs for working families and limiting access to affordable health plans while states like Colorado began taking your tax money and paying for healthcare to individuals illegally present in the country. This Republican-led, solution-oriented bill builds on the progress made in the Working Families Tax Cut by putting patients and families first and expanding affordable and reliable healthcare access for all Americans.”
The bill targets high premiums by increasing transparency among pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which is intended to help employers and workers better understand prescription drug spending and negotiate improved prices. It also includes provisions to fund cost-sharing reduction payments responsibly, aiming to stabilize individual insurance markets and reduce hidden premium increases. According to projections cited in the legislation, ACA premiums could decrease by about 11 percent if enacted.
Additional measures are designed to broaden affordable options for various groups such as workers, farmers, small businesses, and self-employed individuals. The act strengthens Association Health Plans so that smaller entities can join together to purchase more cost-effective coverage. It also protects access to stop-loss insurance for employers and expands CHOICE arrangements—allowing employers to contribute pre-tax dollars toward employees’ individual health plans.
More than 80% of employers utilizing CHOICE arrangements are reportedly offering health benefits for the first time.
Evans criticized previous Democratic policies including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), arguing they have led to higher premiums, limited provider networks, and reduced choices for families while extending state-supported health care programs regardless of immigration status. He pointed out that Colorado allows undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients access to subsidized health insurance through programs like OmniSalud. These subsidies are funded by fees on insurance companies that may be passed on as higher premiums for other consumers.
Starting January 1, 2025, new state laws will further expand Medicaid-style coverage under “Cover All Coloradans,” granting children and pregnant women full benefits regardless of immigration status.
Evans contends that these expansions have contributed to rising costs for American families while requiring rationing of benefits due to high demand among undocumented populations.
He concluded that H.R. 6703 represents a shift from these policies: “House Republicans are focused on restoring integrity to the healthcare system, lowering premiums, increasing transparency, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used to benefit American families – not to subsidize coverage for those who should not be here.”
