Bills · HR 3257
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3257Health
Bridge to Medicaid Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 7· LAST ACTION MAY 7
READING
14MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a critical gap in healthcare access for some of the most vulnerable Americans. In states that haven't expanded Medicaid, millions of low-income individuals are left without an affordable pathway to health coverage, leading to delayed care, medical debt, and poorer health outcomes. If this bill becomes law, it would effectively create a federal "bridge" program that offers near-Medicaid levels of coverage and benefits to these individuals through the existing health insurance marketplace.
Voters should care because it could significantly improve the health and financial security of people struggling to afford care in their communities. Without this bill, these individuals would continue to face high out-of-pocket costs and limited access to essential services. With it, they could receive comprehensive, affordable coverage, potentially reducing emergency room visits and improving public health, though it would also involve increased federal spending.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
For plan years 2026-2028, the bill significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for low-income individuals (under 138% of the poverty line) in non-Medicaid expansion states, ensuring their health plan covers 99% of total allowed medical costs.
This makes health insurance virtually free for a vulnerable population, drastically improving affordability and access to care.
PROVISION 02
It creates a continuous special enrollment period, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, for these low-income individuals who lack other minimum essential coverage.
This provides ongoing flexibility for people to sign up for health insurance whenever they become eligible, rather than only during limited windows.
PROVISION 03
For plan years 2026 and 2027, the bill mandates additional benefits for these eligible low-income individuals, including non-emergency medical transportation and certain home health services, if not already part of their plan's essential health benefits.
These added benefits address common barriers to care and support independent living, mirroring services typically found in Medicaid.
PROVISION 04
The bill appropriates federal funds to make periodic and timely payments to health insurance issuers to cover the costs of these enhanced cost-sharing reductions.
This ensures that insurance companies are reimbursed for providing the deeper subsidies, making the program financially viable for them.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Alabama
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
15
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 7
Introduced in House
MAY 7
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3257
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 7, 2025
Last actionMay 7, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2025
House BillHR 3257Health
Bridge to Medicaid Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 7, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
14 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
