A 55-year-old couple earning $85,000 (£64,000) a year might see their health plan costs rise dramatically, from $7,225 (£5,432) to over $24,535 (£18,446) annually. According to KFF analysis, when the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) assistance disappears after December, this kind of spike will impact many seniors across the US.
Senate Republicans believe that a $1,500 (£1,127) health savings account (HSA) deposit could help cushion this blow. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho unveiled the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act on Monday, presenting it as an alternative to what they describe as 'COVID bonuses' that funnel billions to insurance companies rather than directly to patients.
