Shaheen Delivers Remarks at the New England Council’s Washington Update
** Later, Shaheen hosts roundtable discussion urging Granite Staters to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Coverage**
Left: Senator Shaheen speaks at the New England Council’s Washington Update forum
Right: Senator Shaheen hosts a discussion about mental health and Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment at Elliot at River’s Edge
(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks on her recent legislative accomplishments for New Hampshire and previewed her priorities for the upcoming year at the New England Council’s Washington Update forum.
“I was glad to join the New England Council today to discuss how critical domestic policy wins are making a positive impact on our New Hampshire communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “I look forward to continuing to work with members of the New England Council and other local stakeholders to advance legislation that benefits all Granite Staters.”
In her remarks, Shaheen discussed the need to address the housing and childcare shortages in NH, current events impacting national security, the status of government funding bills and the impact of events around the world. Shaheen also took questions from members of the Council, which is largely made up of local business leaders.
Founded in 1925, The New England Council is the nation’s oldest regional business organization comprised of businesses, academic and health institutions and public and private organizations throughout the region.
Later in the morning, Senator Shaheen hosted a discussion about mental health and the Affordable Care Act at Elliot at River’s Edge in Manchester to encourage Granite Staters to enroll in health insurance coverage via the ACA Marketplace ahead of the deadline on January 16, 2024.
“It is thrilling to see that Granite Staters are ahead of pace from last year in enrolling in health coverage through the marketplace. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, so many Granite Staters are able to access cost effective health care plans,” said Senator Shaheen. “Today’s discussion with providers and stakeholders highlighted key benefits of enrolling in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act as well as shed light on ways to improve access to care in the future. Quality care should be within reach for all Granite Staters, and I encourage those that need health insurance to enroll in marketplace at Healthcare.gov before December 15 for coverage starting January 1 or before open enrollment ends on January 16.”
Participating in the roundtable were Elevance, Ambetter and Harvard Pilgrim, the three insurance providers that participate in New Hampshire ACA Marketplace, as well asbehavioral health stakeholders to discuss obtaining coverage that supports mental health needs. Senator Shaheen also heard from Elliot Hospital leadership on their plans to expand behavioral health services by opening a 144 bed mental health hospital in New Hampshire using American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Shaheen has spearheaded efforts to lower premiums to make health insurance more affordable for patients through her signature legislation, the Improving Health Insurance Affordability Act. Shaheen successfully secured premium tax credit enhancement provisions in the American Rescue Plan. This expansion of premium tax credits marked the biggest improvement to the ACA since it became law over a decade ago. When the tax credits were set to expire at the end of last year, Shaheen successfully extended their authorization through the Inflation Reduction Act.
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