New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez is celebrating the passage of a bill in the US House of Representatives that extends health care insurance subsidies for millions of Americans. The bill, which was passed with bipartisan support, aims to reduce the cost of health insurance premiums for individuals and families who purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.
The subsidies, which were introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, have helped to make health insurance more affordable for millions of people. However, they were set to expire at the end of 2022, which would have resulted in significant premium increases for many consumers. The new bill extends these subsidies for an additional three years, ensuring that individuals and families can continue to access affordable health insurance.
Leger Fernandez, who represents New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district, was a strong supporter of the bill and played a key role in its passage. She noted that the extension of the subsidies is a critical step towards ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. “This is a huge win for New Mexicans and for our country,” she said. “By extending these subsidies, we are helping to keep health insurance premiums affordable for individuals and families who need it most.”
The congresswoman also highlighted the importance of the bill for New Mexico, which has one of the highest rates of uninsured residents in the country. “In New Mexico, we know that access to health care is a matter of life and death,” she said. “That’s why I am so proud to have supported this bill, which will help to ensure that our residents can get the care they need without breaking the bank.”
The bill’s passage has been welcomed by health care advocates and consumer groups, who argue that it will help to protect vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The subsidies have been shown to be highly effective in reducing the number of uninsured individuals, with over 3 million people gaining coverage since their introduction.
While the bill still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, Leger Fernandez is optimistic that it will become law. “I am confident that the Senate will follow the House’s lead and pass this critical legislation,” she said. “We must continue to work together to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care, and this bill is an important step towards achieving that goal.”