|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: |
AHIP Statement on State of the Union Address
EMBARGOED UNTIL 10:00 p.m. EST
(Washington, DC) – America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) President and CEO Karen Ignagni made the following statement regarding the health care agenda outlined in President Bush’s State of the Union address tonight:
“We strongly support a level playing field in which individuals can purchase health care coverage with pre-tax dollars. Currently the tax code fails to assist individuals unless they spend in excess of 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income on health care. Enacting common-sense tax incentives for individuals will go a long way toward helping millions secure and maintain the coverage they need.
“This plan also recognizes that states are an essential partner in any program to cover the uninsured. Federal incentives that provide a helping hand to states that tackle this problem are a great way to spur progress. This effort can also encourage states to re-examine costly mandates that limit health plans' ability to offer more affordable coverage options to consumers and employers.
“Momentum is building to begin expanding access this year. The President has put forth a bold vision. Leaders in Congress are also thinking big. Now is the time to jumpstart this discussion and we look forward to working with the Administration and the Congress on this issue.”
More Information on Expanding Access to Health Care Coverage
AHIP’s Board of Directors last November issued A Vision for Reform, a reform plan designed to give all Americans access to affordable health care coverage. For more information please visit www.ahipbelieves.com.
AHIP is also a member of the Health Coverage Coalition for the Uninsured and strongly supports its new plan to cover the uninsured. For more information please visit www.coalitionfortheuninsured.org.
