Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) has teamed up with Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo Jose Hernandez to introduce legislation bringing the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or "Obamacare") to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico's healthcare system is incompatible with the mainland United States system, lacking the "Bronze, Silver, Gold" plans, tax premiums, and cost-sharing reductions of the ACA.
Thus, the Puerto Rico Affordable Care Act (PRACA) creates an ACA exchange so that Puerto Ricans receive the same healthcare coverage as mainland Americans.
"For far too long, Puerto Ricans have been treated as second-class citizens—despite being part of the United States," said Rep. Soto in a statement. "I'm proud to partner with Resident Commissioner Hernández on this initiative to allow those on the island to receive equal treatment when it comes to healthcare access. Our hope is that this bill will open the door to key reforms and lead to a system in which Puerto Ricans have access to tiered plans, tax premiums, and cost-sharing reductions."
Commissioner Hernandez said, "Too many families in Puerto Rico navigate a system without the cost-saving tools available elsewhere. Establishing an ACA exchange gives the island the federal support to expand coverage, lower costs, and strengthen our healthcare network. This bill brings Puerto Rico into the proven framework that serves millions of Americans."
The ACA has been under scrutiny in the wake of the recent government shutdown, which saw Republicans square off against Democrats seeking to extend subsidies and tax credits under the system.
Some Republicans, including Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), have advocated for the subsidies to remain in place until a solution can be found, saying, "At the end of the day, it is going to be hardworking Americans that are depending on ACA for their coverage, that are going to be left holding the bag on the expiring subsidies."
