Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act of 2014

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the latest version of H.R. 4414, the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act of 2014. I want to commend my colleague JOHN CARNEY on his efforts to address the needs of expatriate health care plans and to ensure that the jobs created by managing these plans remain in the United States. However, the bill, in its current form, would create more problems than it resolves. As you know, the Affordable Care Act established new coverage standards and protections for millions of Americans, including that they cannot be denied coverage for preexisting conditions nor have their benefits capped at arbitrary annual and lifetime limits. Unfortunately, the bill contains potential loopholes that could weaken coverage for many families and immigrant workers who live in the United States. While I do believe the text of the bill has been improved since its initial consideration, there is still more work to be done. According to the Statement of Administration Policy, the Administration echoes our concerns and it remains willing to work with Congress to find a reasonable solution. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will make the necessary changes in order to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.

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