Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO) have introduced the Bipartisan Healthcare Optimization, Protection, and Extension (HOPE) Act. The proposed legislation aims to address rising healthcare costs by extending enhanced premium tax credits for two years, adding new income caps, and introducing measures to prevent fraud.
“I’m glad we’re moving the debate forward on extending and reforming the Affordable Care Act subsidies. I’ve made clear to my colleagues on both sides that Congress needs a smart, bipartisan agreement that prevents our constituents’ health insurance premiums from skyrocketing. That’s why I worked with Reps. Tom Suozzi, Jeff Hurd, and Josh Gottheimer to introduce the HOPE Act, which would extend the enhanced premium tax credits for two years and apply new income caps and fraud protections. This may not be the final package Congress adopts, but it’s a responsible compromise that can help break the gridlock and protect families from higher costs,” said Congressman Bacon.
Suozzi highlighted affordability as a top issue in the country: “The number one issue in our country is affordability. The rising price of health care is a pressing concern for Americans who want both parties to work together to deliver relief. Time is running out for people of good faith to broker a solution. This bill is a commonsense compromise that prevents devastating premium spikes, in some cases, thousands of dollars a month. The Bipartisan HOPE Act also strengthens the premium tax credit with added safeguards against fraud and abuse, reflecting priorities shared on both sides of the aisle. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who were willing to sit down, negotiate in good faith, and work toward a real, practical solution for the American people.”
Gottheimer called for bipartisan cooperation: “It’s time to come together, Democrats and Republicans, put aside the partisan BS, and deliver a real solution that will cut health insurance premiums. The Bipartisan HOPE Act will do just that — give hope to Jersey families struggling with the cost crisis on everything from health care to food to electric bills. Whether it’s this solution or another, failure is not an option.”
Hurd emphasized support for rural communities: “Families across Colorado are already stretched thin by high health-care costs, and without action from Congress, premiums are set to rise sharply at the end of this year. I joined this bipartisan effort because doing nothing would leave too many families in rural communities facing unaffordable increases that they cannot absorb. The HOPE Act provides a temporary, responsible extension of the current premium tax credits so families do not see sudden cost spikes through no fault of their own. This bill also includes the strongest guardrails ever applied to the ACA Exchanges. We crack down on fraudulent brokers and misleading marketing practices, require documented consumer consent for plan changes, expand audit requirements, and remove ‘ghost beneficiaries’ by directing regular checks against the federal Death Master File. These reforms protect taxpayers, strengthen program integrity, and prevent vulnerable consumers from being taken advantage of. The HOPE Act is a practical, bipartisan solution that maintains affordability, enhances transparency, and improves accountability while Congress works toward long-term reforms that will make our health-care system more stable and more affordable. I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pursue responsible, commonsense solutions that put families first,” said Congressman Hurd.
The bill proposes continuing enhanced premium tax credits for those earning less than $200,000 per year for a family of four while phasing them out between $200,000 and $300,000 in income.
Additional provisions aim at preventing fraud within ACA marketplaces by implementing stricter oversight over brokers—drawing from measures outlined in prior legislation such as codifying Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services authority—and requiring regular eligibility checks using federal records like the Death Master File.
Open enrollment would also be extended until May 15 under this proposal.
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd district since 2017 after succeeding Brad Ashford; he was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 before settling in Papillion.
