Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has introduced the Putting Patients First Healthcare Freedom Act, a legislative package that brings together several conservative healthcare reform proposals into one plan. The bill aims to lower premiums, increase competition, give families more control over their healthcare decisions, and implement restrictions on certain procedures.
The legislation is organized into three main sections. The first section redirects federal support from insurance companies to families by expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), increasing transparency in pricing, protecting Health Care Sharing Ministries, and requiring up-front pricing information.
The second section incorporates priorities from former President Trump’s healthcare agenda. It seeks to expand affordable options outside of current Affordable Care Act requirements. This includes Association Health Plans, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), protections for self-insurance, expanded catastrophic plans, long-term short-term coverage options, more flexibility for small businesses, and the creation of an alternative market with lower premiums and guaranteed coverage.
The third section would end taxpayer funding for abortion and gender transition procedures by making Hyde-style protections permanent, closing loopholes in existing law related to Obamacare, and prohibiting federal funds from being used for transgender surgeries.
“The American people are being strangled by a broken healthcare system, and it is long past time for Republicans to confront it with real reform centered around freedom, affordability, and real choice,” said Congressman Biggs.
“Republicans already have the ideas, the policy work, and the legislation. My bill simply consolidates everything into a coherent, comprehensive plan that can move immediately, demonstrating the urgency to address these issues.
“Republicans are ready to lead. America is watching. It’s time to move.”
Representatives Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and Andy Ogles (R-TN) are cosponsors of the bill.
Andy Biggs has represented Arizona’s 5th congressional district since 2017 after replacing Richard Miranda. He previously served in the Arizona Senate from 2013 to 2017. Born in Tucson in 1958 and currently residing in Gilbert at age 64, Biggs graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in 1982 before earning his JD from the University of Arizona in 1984.
