Rep. Walberg, Sen. Wicker Announce Bicameral Bill to Lower Health Care Costs, Increase Consumer Choice

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today announced bicameral legislation to improve the access to quality, affordable health care for Americans while empowering them to take more control over their health care decisions. The Making Health Care More Affordable Act provides health insurance options that are portable, meaning consumers could take their insurance with them if they move or change jobs. Rep. Walberg originally introduced the legislation in May, and Sen. Wicker introduced a Senate companion this week.

"Paying for health care is one of the biggest challenges American families face today, and Senator Wicker and I are committed to giving more Americans access to affordable health insurance," Rep. Tim Walberg said. "Our current health care system is broken, and I hear from too many Michigan families who can't afford the kind of coverage they need or are without insurance. We need major health care reform that is patient-centered and expands coverage. Individuals rarely have the ability to choose their own health care, and we need to put patients and families, not Washington, D.C. bureaucrats, in charge of health care decisions."

"There are 47 million Americans currently living without health care," Sen. Roger Wicker said. "I look forward to working with Rep. Walberg and am glad to join with him to pass real reforms that will make health care more affordable and accessible for more Americans."

The Making Health Care More Affordable Act is based on the following provisions:

Health Insurance Tax Credit: This provision would increase access to health insurance by providing a $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals (and a $6,000 credit for a family of four) in order to purchase health insurance.

Small Business Health Plans: This provision would help small businesses provide affordable health care for their employees by allowing them to band together to purchase health insurance. This means small businesses can enjoy the buying power similar to that of labor unions and large corporations.

Purchase Health Care Across State Lines: This provision would give individuals and families the freedom to find the best rates for health coverage. In addition to maintaining their current choices, this would give consumers access to health care benefits and services in any of the 50 states.

Expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): This provision would double the annual HSA contribution limits and allow Medicare beneficiaries and veterans to own HSAs. HSAs are an alternative to traditional health insurance, allowing consumers to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis.

Health Care Tort Reform: In order to limit the number of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits that are driving up the cost of health care, this provision places a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages awarded in medical malpractice cases.

Health Information Technology: This provision would establish an electronic medical records bank. Medical technology increases healthcare productivity and reduces health care costs and the potential for medical errors.

Wicker and Walberg said the answers to making health care more affordable and accessible are found in the patient-focused reforms proposed in his legislation, not by increased government involvement that will lead to fewer choices for consumers.

"These six provisions will serve as a pathway to insuring the millions of Americans who are currently without health insurance," Sen. Wicker said.

"Our legislation will improve the quality of care for all Americans, empower Americans to take control of their own health care and create a positive, patient-centered alternative that frees up our health care system," Rep. Walberg said. "I appreciate Senator Wicker taking a lead in the Senate to help pass meaningful health care reform."

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