House BillHR 379Administrative law and regulatory proceduresHealth care costs and insurance
Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act
INTRO JAN 14· LAST ACTION JAN 14
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
11
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it impacts the availability and flexibility of temporary health insurance plans, which are often a cheaper alternative to more comprehensive coverage. The rule this bill aims to cancel had put new restrictions on these plans, such as how long they can last.
If this bill becomes law, it means that individuals will retain access to these short-term, potentially lower-cost plans under the previous, less restrictive rules. If the bill does not pass, the April 2024 rule will remain in effect, limiting the duration and renewal options for short-term plans and potentially pushing more people towards comprehensive (and often more expensive) health insurance.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Gives the act the short title "Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act."
This names the legislation, indicating its stated purpose.
PROVISION 02
Specifies that the final rule published on April 3, 2024, by federal agencies concerning short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) and excepted benefits shall have no legal standing.
This directly cancels the new government restrictions on temporary health plans.
PROVISION 03
Reverts the regulatory environment for short-term health insurance to its state before the April 3, 2024, rule was issued.
This means the prior rules regarding the duration and renewability of these plans would effectively be reinstated.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and 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.
This bill matters because it impacts the availability and flexibility of temporary health insurance plans, which are often a cheaper alternative to more comprehensive coverage. The rule this bill aims to cancel had put new restrictions on these plans, such as how long they can last.
If this bill becomes law, it means that individuals will retain access to these short-term, potentially lower-cost plans under the previous, less restrictive rules. If the bill does not pass, the April 2024 rule will remain in effect, limiting the duration and renewal options for short-term plans and potentially pushing more people towards comprehensive (and often more expensive) health insurance.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
low
Gives the act the short title "Healthcare Freedom and Choice Act."
This names the legislation, indicating its stated purpose.
high
Specifies that the final rule published on April 3, 2024, by federal agencies concerning short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) and excepted benefits shall have no legal standing.
This directly cancels the new government restrictions on temporary health plans.
high
Reverts the regulatory environment for short-term health insurance to its state before the April 3, 2024, rule was issued.
This means the prior rules regarding the duration and renewability of these plans would effectively be reinstated.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance (STLDI)
Temporary health insurance plans designed to cover gaps in coverage, typically for less than a year, and often do not cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act.
Excepted Benefits Coverage
Health coverage plans that are not considered 'major medical' insurance and are exempt from certain federal requirements, such as standalone dental, vision, or specific disease coverage.
Federal Register
The official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
Nullification
The act of making something legally void or invalid; in this context, cancelling the legal effect of a government rule.
Interagency rule
A regulation developed and issued jointly by multiple government agencies.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 14, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 14, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and 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.