A Florida Democrat wants to establish an Affordable Care Act exchange in Puerto Rico and introduced legislation in Congress.
Florida Congressman Darren Soto and Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández introduced H.R. 6479, the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act (PRACA), legislation to establish an Affordable Care Act exchange, also known as an Obamacare exchange, in Puerto Rico.
The Central Florida Democratic Congressman said the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act allows the island to receive the same treatment as the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
“For far too long, Puerto Ricans have been treated as second-class citizens—despite being part of the United States. I’m proud to partner with Resident Commissioner Hernández on this initiative to allow those on the island to receive equal treatment when it comes to healthcare access,” said Central Florida Rep. Darren Soto. “Our hope is that this bill will open the door to key reforms and lead to a system in which Puerto Ricans have access to tiered plans, tax premiums, and cost-sharing reductions.”
Democrats like Soto said that Puerto Rico’s healthcare exchange is not ACA-equivalent and does not offer “Bronze, Silver, Gold” plans or tax premiums and cost-sharing reductions. This bill would provide greater healthcare access, especially for small business owners, their employees, and young people. With approximately 43% of Puerto Ricans living under the poverty line, the highest poverty rate in the United States, the Democrat said it is critical for Congress to act in order for those on the island to have the same access to healthcare as those on the mainland.
Meanwhile, Republicans are targeting Rep. Darren Soto and this Florida congressional district. The National Republican Congressional Committee called him “out of touch” and said Soto turned his back on Floridians, voting against commonsense reforms to make healthcare affordable for working families.
“Floridians deserve access to affordable and accessible health care, instead of empty promises and partisan games from radical Democrats,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said. “Out of touch Darren Soto had the chance to support commonsense reforms that put patients first, and once again chose the D.C. status quo over the people he is supposed to represent.”
Republicans said that at a time when Floridians are being crushed by rising premiums, higher prescription drug costs, and fewer provider options, Democratic Rep. Soto chose politics over patients, because he voted against a Republican solution that would lower costs, expand access to care, and give families more flexibility with their health care decisions.
Rep. Soto’s focus seems to be on the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act. For the full text of the bill, check online.
