U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), who serves as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor outlining the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act. The legislation is described as a Republican initiative aimed at reducing health care costs and giving money directly to families so they can make their own decisions about medical care.
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Cassidy in presenting the bill. According to Cassidy, this proposal is intended as an alternative to current Democratic plans that direct taxpayer funds to insurance companies rather than patients.
“Why not, instead of sending 100% of the money to the insurance company, of which they take 20% for profit and overhead, we send 100% to the patient, and then she can spend it on the services that she knows she needs,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“I want an American plan. A plan that works for our fellow Americans, so that they can afford the insurance that this Republican absolutely wants them to have,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy has recently urged Congress several times to address rising health care costs for families. In December and November, he called attention to these issues during congressional hearings and Senate floor speeches focused on making health care more affordable and finding bipartisan solutions.
More information about Cassidy’s full speech is available through HELP Republicans’ website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
