I believe there are better ways of addressing the problems in our health care system than imposing many of the big government solutions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare.
I have heard first hand of the devastating economic and employment conditions the health care law is creating. Fixing problems associated with the law requires common-sense solutions that reduce cost, increase access and encourages job creation. If Congress takes the following steps, we can make health care affordable for all Americans.
Replacing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
The health care law bill passed by the 111th Congress in 2010 raises health care costs and creates burdensome mandates and regulations for hard-working families and businesses. To view a list of actions Congress has taken to date to repeal the heath care law, please visit here.
I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 2300, the Empowering Patients First Act, which would repeal PPACA and replace it with patient-centered solutions that promote consumer choice, decrease health care costs and improve access to care.
Association Health Plans For Small Business
With just over half of the country’s workforce employed by small businesses, I believe they should have access to the same health insurance rates as large employers. Small businesses would be able to do this by banding together through Association Health Plans to create large pools of employees that can access the same rates as large employers.
Health Savings Accounts
Americans have the right to take control of their health care decisions. Health Savings Accounts incentivize responsible planning for future health care expenses and encourages shopping for the best cost and quality in services.
Tort Reform
There are too many frivolous lawsuits against good doctors. When doctors are forced to pay settlements, it drives up health care costs for all Michiganders and Americans. By reforming medical malpractice, we can keep good doctors practicing and lower health care costs for everyone.
Purchasing Across State Lines
Allowing a national market or regional markets to purchase health insurance would result in a much larger pool of individuals that reduce expenses and risk for insurers. This expansion allows health insurance companies to offer insurance at lower costs to all of those participating.
Health Care Websites
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Medicare.gov
- Medicaid
- Healthcare.gov
Additional Health Care Information
- IRS Overview of Affordable Care Act
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Timeline of Upcoming Deadlines for Employer Compliance
- Text of H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
House Actions
03/26/2015 – House approves permanent repeal Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) H.R. 2, Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Approved by the Senate on April 14, 2015; Signed into law on April 16, 2015)
7/10/15 - House Approves 21St Century Cures Act to address FDA approval process (H.R. 9)
Health Care Reports
07/22/2015 - The 2015 Medicare Trustees Report
VIDEO
07/28/2015 – Rep. Walberg questions HHS Secretary about Obamacare
04/15/2015 – Rep. Walberg concerned about Obamacare impact on tax season
