Ruling on health care will push nation toward insolvency, says Rep. Cravaack
Washington, D.C. – Eighth District Congressman Chip Cravaack said the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on health care will push the nation toward insolvency.
Rep. Cravaack released the following statement on the ruling:
“Ultimately, the Court’s decision will allow Obamacare to continue to limit Americans’ freedoms, gouge taxpayers, and push our country towards insolvency. Make no mistake, President Obama’s health care bill is one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history. Importantly, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has confirmed the widespread consensus that the law is far too flawed and must be repealed. Health care coverage has become too expensive for too many people in Minnesota and across the country. Under current law, health care costs are rising, access to care will be restricted and reduced, and jobs will be lost.
“Recently, the Kaiser Family Foundation issued a new report that reinforces the reality of the President’s health care law. This latest report finds that individuals and employees of small businesses are actually being hit with higher costs:
“Costs continue to go up, rather than down. Based on this year’s experience so far, 30 percent of agents expect premium increases between 11 percent and 20 percent and, 33 percent of agents expect increases between 6 percent and 10 percent. This mirrors the increases agents and brokers witnessed in 2011.
“Choices are also on the decline. Almost half of all agents and brokers report clients have fewer health plan options than in the past.
“Fewer, not more, employers are seeking insurance. Despite repeated claims that the President’s health care law would lead to more people looking for insurance, the survey reports that one-third of agents report fewer small businesses are contacting them to purchase health coverage.
“What’s more, to pay for the health care law, nearly $530 million was robbed from seniors’ Medicare.
“We must work toward positive reforms. Although the Supreme Court has ultimately ruled on the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care law, I am proud to have voted to ensure quality and affordable care for Minnesotans. During my first month in Congress, I voted yes on H.R. 2, to repeal the flawed health care law, and since this time, I have remained committed to achieving positive, patient-centered reforms.
“Specifically, by a bipartisan vote the House repealed the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), created under the health care law, which empowers 15 unelected bureaucrats to restrict care and make decisions regarding seniors’ Medicare. Additionally, a bipartisan House repealed an additional entitlement program, known as The CLASS Act, which is completely unsustainable in order to pay for the existing unsustainable programs of Medicaid and Medicare.
“Moving forward, Obamacare must be repealed in full, while being replaced with common-sense, step-by-step reforms that protect Americans’ access to the care they need, from the doctor they choose, at a lower cost. We must preserve Medicare for our children and grandchildren, and empower 50 million seniors to decide what is best for their care, not an unaccountable board of 15 bureaucrats.
“We need to enact common sense reforms that will reduce health care costs, improve choice, and increase access for all Americans. In a tough economy like this, I agree that young adults should be able to find affordable coverage. For example, to expand Minnesotans’ ability to purchase lower cost health insurance, individuals should be allowed to purchase health insurance across state lines. And to lower health insurance costs through economies of scale, small businesses should be permitted to band together to purchase insurance for their employees.
“Further, we need increased transparency for both costs and services and a conscious focus on prevention and quality. Therefore, I support the expanded use of health savings accounts (HSAs) as well as legislation to require hospitals to disclose their prices on procedures.
“Additionally, we need to reform our legal system to advance common-sense liability protections and eliminate junk lawsuits that drive up the cost of everyone’s care. We should also work to ensure physicians find it financially viable to take-on and retain Medicare patients, thus preserving access for seniors in Minnesota and across the country. And, finally, once individuals find a plan that works, they should be allowed to keep it, even when they change jobs.
“I welcome the pledge of large health insurers to keep adult dependent children on the parents’ insurance plans, as it is an example of private sector initiative accommodating the desires of consumers without government coercion.
“The bottom line: I want to make quality health care more convenient and more affordable – positive reforms are required. I want you to be able to visit the doctor of your choosing and be given the care that your doctor thinks is best – not Washington.”
Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is vice chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.
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