45 million Americans are currently uninsured, and studies show that one out of every three non-elderly Americans will be uninsured for a significant period of time in their lives. Unfortunately, health care costs continue to rise at rates far greater than the rate of inflation, making health care difficult to afford for many Americans. Health insurance premiums have annually increased at double-digit rates since 2000 and have increased a total of 73 percent in the last five years.
Health Care Reform
Health care reform has been a priority of the 111th Congress as well as the current administration. Our Health Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce continues to work to put together a comprehensive plan that fills in the gaps and helps cover the uninsured. While we still have work to do, the current version of the House of Representatives legislation builds on what works in today’s health care system and fixes the parts that are broken. It keeps current health care plans and coverage, while not forcing anyone to change insurance options.
The House version of the legislation will promote preventive care by canceling out co-pays or deductibles for this care; will cap annual out of pocket expenses; help end rate increases based on pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation; allow individuals to join a national pool if they must purchase their own plans; and will promote healthy beginnings by providing affordable oral and vision care for all children.
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