DeMint Introduces Health Care Choice Act

Press Release

DeMint Introduces Health Care Choice Act

Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) the introduced the "Health Care Choice Act." The companion bill was introduced in the House yesterday by U.S. Congressman John Shadegg (R-Arizona). Senator DeMint is the lead Senate sponsor of the bill, which will empower Americans to purchase affordable health insurance policies sold nationwide by using the internet and other means. Currently, individuals are forced to purchase only the health plans available in their state, even if a neighboring state has more affordable and flexible plans.

"Americans should be free to buy the health plan of their choice, one that is affordable and meets their family's needs," said Senator DeMint. "Unfortunately, today Americans are forbidden from purchasing plans from other states that may be less expensive and more flexible. One of the best ways to reign-in out of control health care costs is to break down state-imposed barriers to affordable health insurance. Health care providers should have to compete and Americans should have the right to choose the best plan for them."

The Health Care Choice Act, which was introduced yesterday in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ), would reform the individual health insurance market by allowing individuals and families who reside in one state to buy a more affordable health insurance plan in another state. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, a 25-year-old male in good health could purchase a policy for $960 a year in Kentucky. A similar policy would cost about $5,880 in New Jersey.

Also, according to the Institute of Medicine, most adults who do not have health insurance cite the high cost as the reason. Specifically, state health insurance mandates are driving up the cost of coverage for millions of Americans. In 1965, there were only seven state health insurance benefit mandates. Today, there are more than 1,800. In some places, this has helped create a market where rates can be as much as 75 percent higher in neighboring states.

The Heath Care Choice Act will allow Americans to purchase a basic, low-cost policy without hundreds of benefit mandates they don't need. Likewise, those Americans who are interested in a particular benefit would be allowed to do that as well. Furthermore, this proposal will help the uninsured find affordable health insurance, while also providing every American with better health insurance choices.

"This bill brings us one step closer to a patient-centered healthcare system that is geared for the future," said Senator DeMint. "Americans will be able to pick policies with the benefits they really need and won't be forced to pay for things they don't need."

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