Press Releases

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) joined 33 of his colleagues in requesting a meeting with President Obama to discuss patient centered reforms to improve health care options for all Americans. This effort, led by Tim Griffin of Arkansas, is in response to the President's December 3rd speech where he invited members of Congress with alternative health care reform proposals to present their ideas that "cut costs, cover more people, and make insurance more secure."

"House Republicans have introduced more than 200 health care-related bills that my colleagues and I would be happy to discuss with the President," said Rep. Huizenga. "After hearing from countless frustrated constituents, there's no question our health care system needs significant reform. It is time for the President to meet with House Republicans and embrace patient centered proposals that lower costs and improve care. Specifically, I would like to discuss my legislation that improves seniors' access to health savings accounts with the President. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. I hope the President will take this opportunity seriously."

In addition to requesting a meeting, the letter sent to President Obama highlights additional reforms Congressman Huizenga and his colleagues would like to explore, including:

• Making health insurance companies compete nationwide, across state lines. Americans should have the freedom to buy health insurance from any provider;

• Guaranteeing people with pre-existing conditions can get affordable coverage. Creating high risk pools with premium caps and expanding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections will ensure access to coverage;

• Providing a universal tax incentive for buying health insurance. Whether Americans buy health insurance independently or through an employer, the tax code should treat everyone equally and fairly;

• Empowering families with tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Letting families save more for health care expenses will encourage financial stability;

• Increasing transparency in billing so consumers know what they are paying for. In the age of the Internet, everyone can see prices and reviews of anything before buying—except when it comes to health care. Informed choices are better choices;

• Enabling small businesses and other groups to pool their coverage. Letting employers partner together to get the same insurance rates as large corporations will lower costs;

• Cracking down on junk lawsuits. Capping attorney fees and reforming our legal system will let doctors focus on giving patients the care they truly need and save the time and money wasted by frivolous claims;

• Reducing the doctor shortage. Incentivizing primary care physicians to work in underserved areas will increase access and improve quality of care;

• Giving states flexibility to improve Medicaid through innovation. After it was freed from some federal mandates, Rhode Island increased choice and expanded access for low-income Americans while reducing costs. Other states should be able to do the same.


The full text of the letter sent to President Obama by Congressman Huizenga and his colleagues is available HERE.