Issue Position: Healthcare Reform

Issue Position

Chris Gibson understands that the cost of health care is making it increasingly difficult for individuals, families and small business owners alike to afford quality health insurance coverage. The recent passage of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, however, is a step in the wrong direction. The bill signed into law this March will increase health insurance premiums, raise taxes and drive physicians out of medical practice. In fact, an independent (IBB/TIPP) poll released in September, 2009 found that nearly half of all practicing physicians would consider retiring if the plan were approved. Once elected, Chris will work to enact meaningful reforms which will encourage private sector competition, tort reform and the development of health insurance cooperatives. Recommendations include:

* Allowing individuals/families to purchase health insurance from out-of-state providers;
* Encouraging the purchase of true insurance plans rather than "pre-paid health care" plans;
* Encouraging state-based solutions which could be administered and monitored more efficiently than a one-size-fits all federal program.
* Providing new incentives for people to become cost-conscious consumers of medical services.

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