Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the so-called Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.

This package includes two partisan proposals marked up in the Education and Workforce Committee. First, it recklessly expands association health plans which would allow small employer groups and individuals to join associations to offer health insurance that are subject to fewer regulations than traditional plans in the individual and small group markets.

AHPs would make it easier for associations to cherry-pick small employers with younger, mostly male workforces who are healthier and can be charged lower rates. Smaller employers whose workers are older and sicker would remain in the traditional market. Simple arithmetic dictates that if you pull healthy groups out, then all of those left behind will be paying more.

Furthermore, these plans, if history is any guide, will show that they are more vulnerable to fraud and insolvency than those in the marketplace.

The second proposal is the Self-Insurance Protection Plan which would prohibit the Department of Labor and States from ever regulating stop- loss insurance, inviting nefarious practices that could hurt consumers and employers by creating loopholes for plans that will escape any regulatory oversight.

Further, Mr. Speaker, this plan does nothing to extend the ACA enhanced tax credits which are set to expire. Millions of people will see their premiums skyrocket, and millions more won't be able to afford any insurance at all. If we bring up the bipartisan bill, then we could avoid that result.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Adams), the ranking member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. McClellan).

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Underwood).

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Dexter).

Mr. Speaker, this bill does nothing to reduce costs for all Americans. By weakening protections, undermining State oversight, and siphoning healthy individuals out of the ACA, this bill will actually increase premiums and reduce oversight and protection for families.

We need to extend the 3-year extension for the enhanced tax credits. I oppose the bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source