An Update on Federal Healthcare Reform

As we are all aware, a proposal for Federal Healthcare Reform has been hotly debated in Washington this summer. The debate will continue when Congress returns after the August recess. This month is an opportunity to talk to your elected officials before they return to Washington following Labor Day. Let them know your concerns and challenges relating to providing healthcare for your employees. Tell your elected representatives what you like or do not like about the initiatives that have been discussed.

There does seem to be a general agreement on the need to improve our nation’s healthcare system, including improving access through affordable health insurance, lowering healthcare costs and improving the quality of care.

However, in looking at healthcare reform, several business related organizations have expressed concerns.

The United States Chamber of Commerce has circulated a letter to Congress outlining their concerns over plans that would not change the cost curve but would in fact “raise the curve” according the director of the Congressional Budget Office. This issue is one of the most difficult problems facing our country today and the US Chamber’s message is to use caution in reforming our healthcare system. Employers currently are faced with cost shifting from existing public programs and the US Chamber believes that the current proposals in the House would increase the cost for those who currently have private insurance.

Concern has also been raised that the anticipated cost to business could cause employers not to be able to continue offering their current plans which cover over 170 million Americans. The employer mandate to “pay or play” could cause the loss of jobs according to some business spokesmen.

The Texas Association of Business has stated it supports affordable health care insurance for all, but strongly opposes any Congressional proposal that would establish a government-run, health care insurance program.

The business community as a whole is willing to work with Congress to develop a plan for constructive healthcare reform. The rising cost of healthcare to business continues to be a concern as many businesses struggle with a way to provide healthcare for their employees.

As this debate moves forward when Congress returns in September, many business organizations hope that Congress will focus on areas where a consensus can be built including efforts to improve quality and lower costs and “building a robust marketplace for consumers.” (US Chamber)

Many believe that solutions lie in improving the quality and affordability of health care through market-based changes.  The challenge is to fix what is broken in our healthcare system without breaking what is working.

You can be a part of this conversation and solution. Let your voice be heard.