Rep. Courtney Statement On Approaching Senate Vote On Health Care Reform

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney, the Connecticut lawmaker who has spearheaded the House of Representatives' opposition to the Senate proposed excise tax on high cost premiums, released the following statement in advance of the expected vote in the Senate.

"I applaud the Senate for moving this historic legislation forward, and I look forward to an opportunity to carefully review and discuss the Senate's proposal."

"While there are a number of concerns I have for the Senate proposal, I believe the most troublesome component of the Senate bill remains the 40-percent excise tax on high-cost health care premiums. Some have called this a tax on "Cadillac' health plans, but expert analysis has demonstrated that in its present form it will place a new burden on older workers and those in high-medical cost states like Connecticut."

"Numerous experts have demonstrated that premium costs are driven more by the age of an insured than the size of a benefit package. Indeed, the Senate bill allows for three to one age rating of premiums, which will per se drive older workers into the excise tax reach."

"As the House and Senate meet in conference to work out the differences between the two health care bills, it is important that the conferees focus on providing meaningful reform for all Americans and a more sensible way of financing this important legislation. There are many long-awaited reforms to our health insurance system that are included in both the House and Senate bills, but the excise tax was not included in the House proposal and needs greater scrutiny."

In October 2009, Congressman Courtney spearheaded opposition to the Senate Finance Committee's proposed excise tax. Congressman Joe Courtney spearheaded a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which has been signed by more than 190 member of the House Democratic Caucus. Click here for a link to the letter.

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