Rep. Gosar Introduces Bill Paving the Way for Obamacare Repeal and to Restore Competition in the Healthcare Market

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 372, the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2017, legislation that would amend the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 to restore the application of federal anti-trust laws to the business of health insurance:

"The healthcare insurance industry continues to be one of the least competitive and least transparent industries in the entire nation. That's because for over 70 years health insurers have enjoyed a special legal exemption from anti-trust laws resulting in less competition and higher healthcare costs for every single American family. By restoring federal anti-trust laws to the business of health insurance, my legislation represents a critical first step to establishing the proper foundation for a competitive and consumer-driven health insurance marketplace. Hospitals, doctors and most importantly, patients benefit when health insurers compete to provide quality coverage. Ending this special-interest exemption is an integral piece of any Obamacare repeal effort and is the only reform that will actually rein in insurance company practices, increase competition and lower prices for consumers."

Co-chairman of the House GOP Doctors Caucus Congressman Phil Roe (TN-01) stated, "As a physician, I know there are several ways we can reduce the cost of care for patients, including increased competition in a fair market. I am proud to cosponsor the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act and thank Dr. Gosar for his leadership on this issue."

House GOP Doctors Caucus member Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) commented, "Since its inception, contrary to its designers' promises, Obamacare was designed as a giveaway to powerful Washington special interests, resulting in fewer choices and higher costs for health care consumers. I'm proud to join Congressman Gosar and more of my House colleagues to offer today's bill, which puts power in the hands of the American people, both patients and their doctors. Removing artificial barriers, such as state monopolies for the biggest insurance carriers, would increase access and affordability for millions of people still under- or uninsured, despite Obamacare's enormous price tag and taxes. Our goal is rising job growth, wages, and patients' ability to make their own health care decisions with their own hard-earned money. Costs and also quality will improve under our replacement plan."

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