Arise’s Whitney Washington breaks down why HB 477, a bill to allow junk health plans, is not a solution for Alabama’s health coverage gap. HB 477 would authorize non-insurance health plans that aren’t regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance and that could cap benefits and discriminate against people with preexisting conditions.

This bill is unfortunately gaining traction in the Legislature, and time is running short to stop it. Please contact your legislator today and tell them to vote against this harmful legislation: https://votervoice.net/CoverAlabama/Campaigns/124108/Respond

Hi, I’m Whitney Washington, communications associate with Alabama Arise. You’ve probably heard a lot from us about HB 477, the junk health plan bill. If enacted, this bill would allow farm bureaus to sell health plans to their members. While this might sound like a good thing, we disagree.

These plans are not insurance. They are not regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance.

They can discriminate based on preexisting additions, and there is no limit on out-of-pocket costs. These plans can end up hurting the people that need them the most. HB 477, unfortunately, already passed out of the House with a disappointing 98-1 vote.

This week, it’s up in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. If it passes out there, it goes to the full Senate, so this is one of the last opportunities we have to stop this devastating bill. Please show your support and, tell your senator to vote no on HB 477.

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