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AHIP Statement on Health Care Reform Legislation
"The introduction of legislation is an important first step in the process and demonstrates a strong commitment by members of Congress to enact health care reform this year. We strongly believe that now is the time for comprehensive, bipartisan health care reform. We are currently reviewing the legislation and look forward to a broad discussion on the workability of the proposed reforms.
"Our community has offered a comprehensive health care reform proposal that includes a complete overhaul of market rules and consumer protections to ensure that every American has guaranteed access to affordable, portable health care coverage and that all Americans participate in the system. We have long advocated fixing the public safety net to make eligible for Medicaid all uninsured Americans living in poverty and to expand the children's health insurance program. Health plans also are fully committed to advancing cost containment and administrative simplification so that our health care system is put on a sustainable and fiscally responsible path.
"While we strongly support the goal of simplifying health care choices for individuals and employers, it is crucial to develop an architecture with workable rules that ensures broad participation of health plans that offer a variety of coverage options. Moreover, reform needs to preserve the ability of health plans to utilize existing tools to contain costs and avoid duplicative regulation that would drive up the cost of health care coverage for working families and small employers.
"We also share the concerns that employers, providers, and patients have raised about the significant unintended consequences of a new government-run plan. A government-run plan would dismantle employer-based coverage, significantly increase costs for those who remain in private coverage, and add additional liabilities to the federal budget. Alternatively, strong market rules and consumer protections will ensure that nobody falls through the cracks without disrupting the coverage of tens of millions of Americans who like and want to keep their current health plans.
"We need a uniquely American approach to health care reform that builds on what is working in the current health care system. Health plans are committed to this process and will work with the committee to make this goal a reality."
