WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), today held a hearing examining four legislative proposals that would deliver relief to patients from Obamacare’s collapsing health markets.
J.P. Wieske, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance for the state of Wisconsin, testified about how health care plans in Wisconsin fared before Obamacare and now, under Obamacare, stating, “The ACA made a number of changes to the rules governing health insurance markets across the country. These ‘one-size-fits-all’ changes have impacted rates, consumer choice, and the ability for a free market to operate. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in health insurance policy."
In an exchange with full committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Mr. Wieske elaborated further on his state’s situation, saying, “We’ve had a significant number of market exits. We think we can get them to return if the market rules are more reasonable across the country. It’s not our rules that’s the problem, it’s the federal rules. … So I think that a return to market principles with appropriate consumer protections that the market will return."
Members also shared some personal stories about how Obamacare has impacted their lives and those of their constituents. Chairman Burgess reflected on having his plan dropped in 2015, forcing him to lose his doctor. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) shared the story of a constituent who said over the last three years, the increased premiums have cost his family approximately $21,000.
In his opening statement, Chairman Burgess set an inclusive tone for today’s discussion and those in the future, saying, “While we are committed to large-scale reform, real people are struggling as we speak and we are not waiting to take action. These bills are an important example of the work we are doing right now to advance member-driven solutions that will improve health care for all Americans. I am hopeful that we can work together to reform our health care system for the benefit of the American people."
A background memo, witness testimony, and an archived webcast of the markup can be found on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s website here. See Also
* Patient Relief from Collapsing Health Markets
