"For too long, middle class Americans and working families are being squeezed due to skyrocketing health care costs," said Berry.  "Parents should never be forced to decide between paying for healthcare or purchasing groceries.  Unfortunately this report confirms a disturbing trend that Americans are using more of their income to pay for health insurance, which is why we must use this information as a springboard to take action and make dramatic changes to improve our health care system. Any change in our health care system that causes cheaper and better care for all Americans is a step in the right direction."

The results of the report show that there is an almost invisible but growing crisis among insured families, as rising health care costs devour an ever-growing portion of their pre-tax income. According to the report issued today by the consumer health organization Families USA, in Arkansas, 680,000 people under the age of 65, 81.6 percent of who are insured, are in families that will spend more than 10 percent of their pre-tax family income on health care costs in 2008.  In addition, there are 227,000 Arkansans in families that will spend more than 25 percent of their pre-tax income on health care costs in 2008.

As a former pharmacist, Congressman Berry has firsthand experience in the health care profession, and has sponsored or supported the following legislation to help address some of our nation's healthcare issues. 

HR 3932 The Prescription Drugs Savings and Choice Act – This bill creates a nationwide Medicare administered Prescription Drug Plan run by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and would require the Secretary to enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to compete for the best prescription drug prices. 

HR 1474 Prompt Pay/FAST Act – This bill ensures that independent pharmacies stay in business by receiving Medicare reimbursements within 14 days.  Currently many pharmacies are forced to wait weeks for their reimbursements and are forced to borrow money to cover costs.  This bill helps patients continue to have access to what is often their only health care provider in rural areas.   

HR 3963 Reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - This bill will bridge the gap and give 10 million children, who live in families earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private health insurance, access to quality health care.