Bean, Pfluger Lead Charge to Fix Obamacare Failures and Empower Americans

WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL‑04) joined U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) in introducing the More Affordable Care (MACA) Act, a bold plan to put patients first in healthcare. This legislation takes on Obamacare’s failures and delivers real relief by driving down costs and empowering families to choose the care that fits their needs. 

For years, the government has hidden the rising cost of health insurance through taxpayer subsidies. MACA puts power back in the hands of health consumers by directing support straight to Americans through Trump Health Freedom Accounts. 

Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said: “We’re putting patients — not bureaucrats or insurance companies — back in charge of their healthcare. With Trump Health Freedom Accounts, competition across state lines, expanded access to employer-sponsored health insurance, and price transparency, this legislation empowers Americans to make informed healthcare decisions, increases choice and competition, and lowers healthcare costs. This is America First healthcare, and under House Republican leadership, we’re fixing the broken system.” 

Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND

MACA delivers four key reforms to put patients first and drive down costs:

• Redirects federal subsidies from insurance companies directly into individual Trump Health Freedom Accounts.
• Accounts function like HSAs but can also be used to pay insurance premiums.
• Hyde-compliant: cannot be used for plans covering abortion or gender transition procedures.
• Aligns with President Trump’s vision of putting money in consumers’ hands.
• Empowers patients to make healthcare decisions, not government or insurers.

• States may opt into a waiver program allowing health plans to be sold across state lines.
• Participation can be requested by a governor or legislative majority.
• Waivers are automatically approved by HHS.
• States retain full regulatory authority over insurance products.
• Plans approved in any waiver state are available across all participating states.
• Non-participating states continue under the current system.

• Expands and strengthens the small business tax credit for employer-sponsored coverage.
• Raises employee eligibility from 25 to 50 workers.
• Removes the $57,000 salary cap.
• Increases the credit to 50% for all eligible employers. 

• Codifies President Trump’s Executive Order requiring hospitals to publicly report negotiated rates, costs, and cash prices.
• Ensures patients have upfront pricing to make informed decisions and shop for value.

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