Horsford Introduces Bill to Make Healthcare More Affordable for Families

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Dependent Income Exclusion Act of 2024 to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for families with dependents who are working part-time, attending school, or enrolled in job training programs. The bill would adjust the household income calculation used to determine eligibility for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, which would ease financial burdens and expand health coverage. 

“While I’ve worked to lower prescription drug costs and expand healthcare tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act, families in Nevada and across the country continue to face unacceptably high health insurance costs,” said Congressman Horsford. “This bill will help parents and guardians and make healthcare more affordable and attainable by easing the unintended costs on families with working children. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and its Subcommittee on Health, I will continue to push for policies that expand access to affordable, quality healthcare to all families.”

"Congressman Horsford is a champion of hardworking families and making health care affordable,” said Brad Woodhouse, Executive Director of Protect Our Care. “The Dependent Income Exclusion Act will ensure that families with children who pick up a part-time job or enroll in a job training program aren't penalized by having to pay more for their health care. This bill demonstrates how Democrats are working tirelessly to give families more room to breathe and to ensure that people can afford the health care they need to thrive.”  

The Dependent Income Exclusion Act would address the healthcare affordability gap by allowing families to exclude a portion of their dependents' income from the modified adjusted gross income used to determine eligibility for premium tax credits. Specifically, this exclusion applies to dependents under the age of 18 or those under 24 who are part-time students, apprentices, or participants in job training programs. The excludable income is capped at 15 percent of the filer’s income. 

By expanding the availability of premium tax credits, this legislation will allow previously ineligible families to access ACA subsidies and increase the credit for those who already qualify. The bill aims to ensure that families with young adults working toward a brighter future—whether through education, apprenticeship, or job training—aren’t penalized when it comes to affordable healthcare access. 

The bill is supported by Protect Our Care.