Right to Enroll Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5972
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-17T09:06:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Right to Enroll Act of 2025" (H.R. 5972) aims to give people more time to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, known as Exchanges. It specifically extends the standard signup window for coverage starting in 2026 to help ensure broader access to affordable health plans.
Key Provisions
- Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to update federal regulations (specifically, 45 CFR 155.410(e) or its successor) for the ACA's annual open enrollment period.
- Sets the enrollment period for plan year 2026 to run from November 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026.
- Applies only to enrolling in "qualified health plans" (insurance options that meet ACA standards for coverage and affordability) offered through state or federal Exchanges (online marketplaces for buying health insurance).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Under current ACA rules, the annual open enrollment period typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year.
- This bill extends the 2026 period by approximately 3.5 months (ending May 1 instead of January 15), marking a temporary one-year adjustment to the standard timeline.
- It does not alter other enrollment rules, such as special enrollment periods for life events (e.g., job loss or marriage), but specifically targets the main annual window.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Could allow more individuals and families to enroll in health coverage, potentially reducing the number of uninsured people and improving access to preventive care, especially for those who miss the shorter window due to holidays, work, or other delays.
- On government agencies: HHS would need to implement regulatory changes, update websites, and notify the public, which might increase short-term administrative costs. It could also lead to higher federal spending on subsidies (premium tax credits) if enrollment rises.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic health policy focused on U.S. insurance markets.
- Overall, it may boost ACA marketplace participation without changing premiums or plan requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and families: Primary beneficiaries, particularly low- and middle-income households eligible for subsidies, who gain extra time to compare and select plans.
- Health insurance providers: Companies offering plans on Exchanges may see increased enrollment, affecting their customer base and revenue from premiums.
- Federal and state governments: HHS and state-run Exchanges must handle the extended period, including outreach and processing, potentially straining resources.
- Healthcare providers: Indirectly affected through possible increases in insured patients, leading to more utilization of services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill uses Congress's authority under the ACA to direct HHS on enrollment rules, but it could prompt challenges if seen as micromanaging executive rulemaking. It builds on existing ACA framework without requiring new funding, avoiding potential budget reconciliation issues.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and health policy; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as states can still operate their own Exchanges.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by a mix of Democrats and Republicans) to expand ACA access amid ongoing debates over healthcare affordability. It may influence future ACA modifications but is limited to one year, avoiding broader overhauls.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Right to Enroll Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (2 pages)