Reps. Salinas, Mackenzie Introduce Bill to Protect Patients When Insurance Companies Drop Their Providers

November 5, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) introduced the Right to Re-Enroll Act . The bipartisan bill would protect patients from unexpected changes to their health insurance coverage. It would allow Americans enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans to switch insurance plans outside of the annual open enrollment period if their provider or health system is dropped from their insurance network. When providers and insurance companies fail to reach agreements on contracts, patients can suddenly lose access to the clinicians and hospitals they rely on. These disputes are becoming increasingly common. Between 2021 and 2025, nearly one in five non-federal hospitals experienced a public contract dispute with an insurance company, and nearly 10 percent temporarily fell out of network with an insurer. “Families are already paying too much for health care. They shouldn't have to worry about losing their provider on top of it,” said Rep. Salinas. “Right now, patients can find themselves stuck paying for a plan that no longer covers their provider or hospital. That's especially concerning for people living in rural areas who are far from other providers, or for people undergoing treatment who can't afford an interruption in care. No one should lose access to their provider because their insurance company and health system can't agree on a contract. This bill gives patients the freedom to find a plan that meets their needs and protects them from unexpectedly losing access to care.” “Patients and families across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos should not have to worry about losing access to their trusted doctors or facing unexpected disruptions in care because of changes to their insurance network,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie . “The bipartisan Right to Re-Enroll Act would give patients more options when unexpected changes to their insurance coverage disrupt their access to care. By working across the aisle, we can put patients first and help ensure greater access to quality, affordable health care.” Currently, Medicare Advantage enrollees have the ability to change plans when significant changes are made to their provider networks. However, Americans who purchase health insurance through ACA marketplaces do not have the same protections when their insurance company drops a provider from its network. The Right to Re-Enroll Act would: Give patients the right to switch plans: Create a 60-day special enrollment period for individuals enrolled in ACA marketplace plans when a provider leaves their insurance network, outside of the annual enrollment period. Protect patients from unexpected costs: Require insurers to maintain existing coverage terms and in-network cost-sharing for qualifying patients who continue receiving care from an affected provider for 90 days. Require insurers to notify patients: Ensure patients receive notice within seven days of a network change, including information about their right to switch plans and how changing plans could affect their deductible and out-of-pocket costs. The legislation would apply to ACA marketplace plans beginning in 2027. “When changes happen in insurance networks or coverage, continuity of care keeps treatment for patients safe and consistent,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “Reducing avoidable disruption is the right thing to do for patients, safeguarding their care and easing their burden during treatment. Rep. Salinas’ Right to Re-Enroll Act puts patients first, giving them the peace of mind of knowing they can choose a different health plan during a special re-enrollment period so they can continue getting the care they need without interruption.” This legislation is endorsed by Families USA, American Psychological Association, Young Invincibles, and the Hospital Association of Oregon. ### Issues : Congress Creating a More Affordable, Secure Oregon Health Care