Medicare-X Choice Act of 2026

Sponsor: Angie Craig (Democratic-MN)July 15, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Creates a public health insurance plan, expands health care tax credits, and allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

This bill would create a new government-run health insurance option, called the Medicare Exchange Health Plan, available on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces starting in 2028. It would also expand financial help for people buying health insurance. The bill would fix a rule that makes family coverage unaffordable for some, and it would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. These changes aim to make health care more affordable and accessible for many Americans.

What Would Change

Today, many people face high health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs, and some families struggle to afford employer-sponsored family coverage. Medicare is also currently banned from negotiating drug prices. After this bill, Americans would have a new public health insurance option, more people would qualify for financial help to pay for health insurance, and families would find employer-sponsored coverage more affordable. Medicare would also be able to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs.

Key Provisions

Creates a new government-run health insurance plan, the Medicare Exchange Health Plan, available on ACA marketplaces starting in 2028.
Expands financial help (tax credits) to lower monthly health insurance costs for more people, including those with higher incomes.
Fixes the "family glitch" to make employer health plans more affordable for family members.
Allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, which is currently not permitted by law.
Requires most doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare or Medicaid to also accept the new public health plan, with an opt-out for exceptional circumstances.
Sets aside $2 billion for the government's budget year 2027 to establish and administer the new health plan and improve data collection.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9702 · 119th Congress · July 15, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Medicare-X Choice Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity