WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to the Alexander-Murray legislation introduced today, the president of the American College of Emergency Physicians Becky Parker, MD, FACEP, released the following statement:

"ACEP supports the bipartisan Alexander-Murray legislation introduced today, which will provide critical stability for the individual health insurance marketplace, ensuring that millions of Americans have continued access to the health coverage they need and deserve.

This legislation is a good-faith bipartisan effort that will help limit increases in health insurance premiums and preserve important consumer protections, such as the Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) package that includes emergency services, while also providing additional flexibility for states to implement innovative approaches to coverage. For the tens of millions of patients that receive care in the emergency department each year, the Alexander-Murray agreement provides much-needed assurance that their care will continue to be covered.

Further, this approach is proof that lawmakers on both sides can collaborate on patient-centered solutions that help improve our entire health care system. By providing this important short-term stability, policymakers, physicians, providers, and other stakeholders and experts can continue working to address the other challenges facing our health care system. ACEP applauds Senators Alexander and Murray for their bipartisan agreement and urges Congress to act quickly to enact this vital legislation."