LANSING — State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) and Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield) introduced House Bills 5110 and 5111 last week to cap primary care provider and behavioral health visit co-pays at $5, respectively.
“I’m not sure what the purpose of having health insurance is if you can’t afford to use it,” said Hammoud. “Too many people avoid a visit to the doctor because of their co-pays and deductibles. These bills serve as a means of ensuring access to a primary care provider when you need it, at a rate you can afford.”
Part of House Democrats’ broader Health Over Profits for Everyone (H.O.P.E.) plan, the bills would ensure the out-of-pocket cost for a doctor visit does not prevent anyone from seeking the health care they need.
“No one should be put in the horrific position of having to choose between paying their mortgage or getting their prescriptions,” said Bolden. “Yet that is the reality thousands across the state face every day—something that is only going to keep getting worse as the cost of living continues to climb. We know that isn’t right, and that’s why our package is focused on addressing the out-of-pocket costs that force those choices in the first place.”
The H.O.P.E. plan represents the first of several packages House Democrats plan to unveil during October to expand access to affordable, quality health care to Michigan residents.
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