Sam Johnson

Health Care

Increasing the number of Americans with health insurance 

In the United States, roughly 47 million people are without health insurance. Census Bureau data show that over 5 million reside in Texas.  We can and should find ways to provide more people in this country access to quality healthcare without increasing the size and scope of the federal government.  Free-market driven solutions will help give people better access to affordable insurance—ensuring there are more choices available to find the best one for you and your family.

Association health plans
Nearly half of the uninsured are in families with someone who is self-employed or who works for a small business.  Small businesses should have access to the same buying power large employers do.  This concept is known as association health plans.  For years I have introduced the Small Business Health Fairness Act, legislation that would allow small businesses to band together through their associations to provide better and more affordable coverage for their employees.  Association health plans would reduce the number of uninsured Americans with no cost to the taxpayer. 

If small businesses could pool their resources like large corporations and labor unions already do, they would gain more buying power.  In turn, association members would see their health insurance costs drop between 15 percent and 30 percent.  If it’s good enough for Wall Street, it is good enough for Main Street. 

Health savings accounts
Health savings accounts became law under the Medicare bill.  Used in conjunction with a high-deductible health plan, HSAs are designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses tax-free.  As of January of this year, there were over 6 million Americans who selected this type of plan for their health insurance coverage, a 26% increase from the previous year.

Having this type of plan as an option to both individuals and employers has proven to be an important tool in reducing the number of uninsured in our country.  About a third of the people enrolled in these plans were previously uninsured and over 40% incomes below $50,000.  We need to make these plans as appealing as possible so they are option for those individuals that need it.  This includes increasing HSA contribution limits,
making premiums for these plans tax-deductible, and allowing employers the flexibility to make greater contributions to those employees that need more help. 

Reforming the current healthcare system

Health Information Technology
Technology has revolutionized every industry that has embraced it, and I see the healthcare system as being no different.  Our country’s healthcare system is in need of some serious reform.  Bringing every doctor’s office, hospital and medical record into the 21st Century is a great start – as long as we guarantee patient privacy.  This technology gives healthcare providers the tools they need to better track the care they provide their patients. 

However, as is the case with all technology, it does not come without a price.  I know for many healthcare providers it may be too big of a hurdle to jump over.  That is why I introduced a bill that would provide tax incentives to healthcare providers who invest in this technology. 

Physician Owned Hospitals
America’s healthcare system has continually led the world in innovation.  This innovation has given patients unprecedented access to specialized care in different fields of medicine.  There are many quality healthcare facilities in the Third Congressional District and beyond that are owned by physicians. 

These physician-owned facilities provide patients a choice beyond just the large community hospital.  This increase in choice promotes competition and free market principles in our health care system.  Physician-owned facilities have often been shown to run more efficiently and have higher-quality outcomes than their community hospital counterparts.  Also, physician-owned hospitals have higher rates of patient satisfaction and lower mortality rates.  As a member of the Health Subcommittee, I’ve fought tirelessly to ensure that Congress does not stunt the growth of this balanced approach to health care.

Related Documents:

Press Release - Sam Johnson stands up for physician-owned specialty hospitals 1.11.2008

Press Release - Senate Approves Legislation to Help National Guard and Reserve Physicians Serving Overseas 7.25.2007

Press Release - Sam Johnson reaction to State of the Union 1.23.2007

Column - Moving forward for America – Helping the working uninsured 1.12.2007

Press Release - Sam Johnson introduces common-sense health savings accounts bill 6.13.2006


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Related Files:

HR 5586

Prescription Drug Benefit Program PSA

Medicare Worksheet

ABC Letter

Approved Drug Cards Chart

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