Bill · H.R. 7023· House(119-HR-7023)
Affordable CHOICE Act
- Introduced
- 1/12/2026
- Last activity
- 1/12/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Janice Schakowsky
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a public health insurance option to be offered through the health insurance Exchanges starting on January 1, 2027. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for designing this public plan to provide affordable, high-quality coverage with bronze, silver, and gold levels. The bill sets rules for how the plan will be funded through premiums and how health care providers will be paid. It also allows states to set up advisory councils to give recommendations on the plan's operations. Additionally, the legislation establishes an account in the Treasury for the plan's financial receipts and start-up funding. Finally, it includes rules for which health care providers can participate in the plan's network.
Yes· 3 of 37
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
Creates a nationwide public health insurance option providing affordable, high-quality coverage choices.
Does this strengthen the Affordable Care Act?+5
The legislation amends the ACA to establish a public health insurance option on the Exchanges.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Increases access to affordable health insurance options, easing financial burdens for lower-income families.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill authorizes initial start-up appropriations for the public health insurance option.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
Federal funds are authorized for start-up costs and administrative contracting.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Access to More Health Plan Choices: Section 2 adds a new section 1314 to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which establishes a public health insurance option offering bronze, silver, and gold coverage levels. This gives individuals more choices for their health care coverage through the Exchanges.
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Addressing Disparities in Health Care: Section 2 requires the Secretary to collect data under subsection (b)(4) to improve quality and reduce racial, ethnic, and other disparities in health and health care. This could lead to fairer and better health outcomes for various groups of people.
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Local Input on Health Care Operations: Section 2 allows states to establish a State Advisory Council made up of health care consumers and providers under subsection (b)(3). This provision lets everyday people and local experts give recommendations on cost containment, public awareness, and quality improvement for the public health option in their state.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Taxpayer Funding and Start-Up Costs: Section 2 authorizes the appropriation of start-up funding to establish the public health insurance option and cover 90 days of claims reserves under subsection (c)(3)(C). While this money is required to be repaid over a 10-year period, it initially relies on federal funds and appropriations that taxpayers support.
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Potential Premium Costs: Section 2 mandates that the Secretary establish premium rates under subsection (c)(1) at a level fully sufficient to finance health benefits, administrative costs, and a contingency margin. If the costs of running the plan are high, individuals purchasing the public health insurance option could face steep premium rates.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Children+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Native Americans+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Students+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Women+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Farmers+1Good For Immigrants+1Good For L G B T Q Community+1Good For Men+1Good For Retirees+1Good For Seniors+1Good For Veterans+1Good For White Americans+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Increases Affordable Care Act Support+5Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+2Reduces Private Insurance Premiums+2Improves Mental Health Access+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1Increase States Rights+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+2Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+1Improves Economic Growth+1Increases Job Creation+1Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+1
- 6/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Haley StevensDemocrat · Michigan