ABC - ABC Cautions Government Committees on Health Care Bill

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ABC CAUTIONS GOVERNMENT COMMITTEES ON HEALTH CARE BILL (06/24/2009)

ABC June 18 expressed concerns about “The Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,” currently being considered by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) that would reform the U.S. health care system.

In a letter sent to members of the HELP committee, the Senate Committee on Finance and the Subcommittee on Children and Families, ABC commended the effort to improve the health care system, but cautioned that the proposal fails to provide solutions that are practical or affordable.

“While we recognize the need for reform, we feel as though it should be done responsibly,” ABC stated in the letter. “True reform must provide greater choice and affordability and should allow private insurers to compete for business.”

The letter pointed out that the construction industry is unique in that it requires benefits to be portable, allowing for construction employees to move freely between jobs and across state lines. ABC also said that it strongly opposes all legislative proposals that impose healthcare coverage mandates including “pay or play” mandates that would force employers to provide health care or pay a fine, and a government-run public plan option. The letter pointed out that such mandates would stifle small businesses and cost taxpayers $6,250 each year per additional insured person.

“ABC believes that health care is best administered on free market principles and we look forward to working with the HELP and Finance Committees towards legislation that best fits those principles.”

To read the complete letter, click here.

For more information, contact Kristen Swearingen at ABC, swearingen@abc.org.