U.S. Chamber: Congress Has Opportunity to Start Over on Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of Government Affairs R. Bruce Josten made the following statement today on the opportunity for Congress and the administration to move forward with a responsible health care bill:

"It's clear today that there is a choice before congressional leadership—continue with a partisan path to health reform that has been soundly rejected by the American people or take this opportunity to start over and craft a truly bipartisan plan. Congress and the administration need to find a more rational and affordable way to address health care. We cannot reform health care by undermining the private, employer-based system while doing little to rein in costs. It's a prescription for fiscal insolvency and an eventual government takeover of American health care."

The Chamber supports reforming the health system with a simple three-pronged approach and believes Congress should focus on the following:

1. Reform the insurance system.

• Eliminating the use of pre-existing conditions or health status
• Guaranteeing that any individual or entity will be issued a policy
• Guaranteeing that policies will not be revoked
• Place reasonable limits on rating differences
• Subsidies for those who cannot afford coverage

2. Get costs under control. Use an all-of-the-above strategy.

• Medical liability reform
• Health information technology
• Comparative effectiveness research
• Wellness and prevention
• Coordination of care and medical homes
• Pay-for-Performance reform
• Combating fraud and abuse
• Consumer-driven health options
• Small business pooling
• Long-term care reform
• Tax parity: Let individuals/small business deduct the full cost of insurance expenses

3. Create a vibrant market place.

• Create a connector/exchange that allows individuals and businesses from anywhere in the country to enroll
• Should facilitate improved pooling mechanisms, choice, and competition
• Allow any person or business to buy any insurance policy they want

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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