Landrieu’s Health Plan Legislation Gains Support

Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu announced today Senior U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., are cosponsoring her act that would allow policyholders to keep their current health plans.

"I'm very happy that a growing coalition supports this smart, targeted fix to strengthen the bill," said Landrieu in an emailed press release.

According to the release, the "Keeping the Affordable Care Act Promise Act" would allow policyholders who stay up-to-date with payments to remain on their current plan, and it would require providers to disclose which portions of the policy do not meet the ACA's minimum coverage requirements.

Landrieu introduced the bill Nov. 4.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., also introduced the "Keep Your Health Plan Act" Oct. 28, which would permit insurance companies to continue offering noncompliant policies through 2014.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the administration opposes the Republican measure that allows insurers to continue selling policies that don't provide the minimum coverage now required by law.

Basic health plans are now required to cover ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse services, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and pediatric care.