Washington, DC - A new report released by the Committee on Energy and Commerce has affirmed Congressman John D. Dingell’s (D-MI15) stand that H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act” will provide significant benefits for residents of Michigan’s 15th Congressional District.  According to the report, the bill, authored by Congressman Dingell, would expand access to health care for residents, subsidize health insurance plans for small businesses, close the Medicare donut hole for thousands of seniors, help hundreds of residents avert bankruptcy, and provide health care providers with reimbursement for uncompensated care. 

The report provided the following new numbers on the on the benefits of the legislation for the 15th District:
 

• 83,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.  Currently, about 15% of residents in the district do not have health insurance.  The bill is estimated to lower the portion to 3%. 
• Up to 11,500 small businesses could receive subsidies to provide health care coverage to their employees. 
• 2,700 seniors would be able to avoid the Medicare donut hole.
• 950 families could avert bankruptcy each year.
• $330 million would be given to health care providers to cover uncompensated care. 
• 99.2% of taxpayers would see no increase in their taxes under the legislation.

The numbers in the report refute recent criticisms of the bill, such as false assertions that the legislation would hurt small businesses and amount to a widespread tax increase.  The report explains that thousands of small businesses in the district that have fewer than 25 employees and average wages of less than $40,000 would qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance to their employees.  The report also explains that the legislation would not increase the deficit, as it will be entirely funded through savings from increased efficiency in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and a surtax on the income on the wealthiest individuals.  The surtax would only affect 0.8% of taxpayers in the district (99.2% would be unaffected). 

In response to the new figures, Congressman Dingell said, “I have long argued that health care reform will benefit individuals and businesses alike.  I hope that Congress will act quickly on the legislation so that the good people of the 15th District will be able reap the benefits outlined in the report.”

Congressman Dingell also added, “Current trends are disturbing: if we do nothing and health care costs continue to skyrocket, then we will find ourselves in economic ruin.  Our country cannot afford not to pass health care reform legislation to reverse the trend of increasing health care costs.  I believe that this bill, including the provision that provides for a robust public option, will help bring costs under control and ensure that quality, affordable health care is available to all Americans.” 

The report is available online at http://www.house.gov/dingell/pdf/Dingell.pdf.