(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today announced his support for health care reform legislation that will reduce health care and insurance costs, expand coverage options for those with pre-existing conditions, end lawsuit abuse that drives up the cost of health care, and increase access for those without coverage. The bill is a fiscally responsible alternative to the $1.3 trillion government takeover introduced by House Democrats that will raise taxes, cut Medicare, penalize small business and increase health care costs.
“Health care reform should be focused on making care more affordable, more accessible and available at lower costs,” said Hastings. “Our proposals provide real solutions that offer more choices, increase access and most importantly lower costs. Our plan will reduce costs, limit frivolous lawsuits, protect Medicare and help small businesses afford to cover their employees. These are the types of proposals that will address the concerns of those across America who need affordable, accessible health coverage for their families and themselves.”
The Republican alternative, introduced by Rep. John Boehner (OH-08), would reform health care by focusing on four main principles; giving consumers the ability to purchase insurance across state lines, offer association health plans to help small business afford coverage, expanding high risk insurance pools to make them more accessible and affordable for those with pre-existing conditions, and end frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care for everyone.
Additional Health Care Legislation Co-Sponsored by Congressman Hastings
- H.R. 914: This bill would establish a loan program for rural hospitals to establish medical residency programs. Since many doctors end up practicing in the community where they serve their residency, this will help attract doctors to rural underserved areas.
- H.R. 1086: This bill would end lawsuit abuse within the medical community, a practice that drives up the cost of health care for everyone. Specifically, the bill limits noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits at $250,000.
- H.R. 1203: This bill would allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and create a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums, making health insurance more affordable for these retirees.
- H.R. 1298: This bill would allow individuals to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada so that Americans can have more choices to purchase the medication they need at a more affordable price.
- H.R. 2220: This bill would provide grants to dental organizations to help them provide free dental services to underserved low-income populations.
- H.R. 2443: This bill would preserve Medicare reimbursement rates for rural ambulance services to ensure that seniors in rural areas retain access to these life-saving services.
- H.R. 3610: This bill would extend tax deductibility to those looking to purchase health insurance on the individual market to make health insurance more affordable for those who cannot purchase coverage through their employer. The bill also expands Health Savings Accounts, which is an option that gives people control over their health care spending and helps them save.