Letter Supporting the "Consumer Information Enhancement Act of 2010"

The Honorable John Cornyn
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Orrin Hatch
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators Cornyn and Hatch:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, thanks you for your leadership in introducing the “Consumer Information Enhancement Act of 2010,” which would create Consumer Information Organizations (CIOs) to develop reports for consumers and businesses on the quality and efficiency of health care providers.

The Chamber has long been a proponent of increased transparency and information in the health care system; without it, consumers cannot become smart shoppers for health services, but with transparency and information, cost control can become a reality.

The legislation creates new entities that would process available health care data into reports to help consumers better understand the cost and quality of health care providers. Data already collected by the government is currently hidden from the public, but this legislation would allow it to be disclosed, in a way that protects patient privacy. The new CIOs would also be able to process private companies’ data, should those companies choose to disclose it, while again protecting employee privacy.

Chamber member companies are increasingly looking to value-driven health care solutions, which put patients in the driver’s seat, as a way of realigning incentives to help control costs and improve the quality of care. These strategies demand more, better information so that consumers can make informed choices. This bill would enhance the ability of employers to implement value-driven plan design, because it would enhance the ability of consumers to shop smart and make confident, informed care decisions.

The Chamber appreciates your continuing efforts to promote quality, efficient health care and keep costs under control by empowering consumers. We look forward to working with you on this legislation, and on other bills to advance these laudable goals.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten