Health Care

Congress must do more to expand access to high quality, affordable health care to all Americans. For too many people, health insurance is out of reach, and Congress must implement policies that provide greater access to coverage in a manner that still allows families to address their individualized needs.

Congressman Steve Scalise will work with his colleagues in Congress to pass meaningful legislation that will protect patients’ rights to choose the coverage that best suits their needs. Health insurance should be portable between jobs, and for those individuals who do not have access to employer-based insurance, the Congress should provide incentives to make private insurance more affordable.

To make health care more affordable, health expenses should be tax deductible. This is why Congressman Scalise has co-sponsored H.R. 636, which will make medical expenses, including health care premiums, fully tax deductible for all individuals. Currently, only health insurance received through an employer is tax free. H.R. 636 will give this same tax benefit to individuals and families who purchase their own health insurance.

Congressman Scalise also supports Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that allow individuals to save a limited amount of money for health expenses tax-free and Associated Health Plans (AHPs) that would allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance for their employees at a lower cost. Additionally, Scalise will fight to reduce frivolous lawsuits against physicians, which cause doctors to abandon certain practice areas and are contributing to the rising cost of health care.

Congressman Scalise will continue to support legislation that will increase competition and promote and expand individual choice in the health care market.

Related Press Releases

12/5/2008
Scalise: $1 Million for Jefferson Parish Head Start Projects

11/21/2008
Scalise Congratulates Lacombe and New Orleans Hospitals for National Recognition