Garrett Opposes Higher Health Insurance Premiums for Americans

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) released the following statement regarding H.R. 2626, the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act:

The American people are tired of the politics of the health care debate. Americans want reform, not rhetoric. I agree with the constituents of the Fifth District of New Jersey that health care is too expensive and that prohibitively high cost can limit access for many families within my district and across the United States.

One of the main components that I believe needs to be included in health care reform is the ability for individuals to buy insurance plans across state lines. The legislation considered by the House of Representatives today, the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act would in no way address the right of individuals to shop for a plan in a different state, and despite its name, would not actually promote fair competition within the health insurance industry.

In reality, this legislation would create more legal and regulatory uncertainty, which could lead to increased litigation and higher costs passed on in the form of higher premiums for American families, a point which is supported by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Additionally, this legislation may have a negative effect on competition by prohibiting new entrants to the market and smaller insurance businesses from gaining access to enough information to accurately trend, forecast, rate or price. Finally, this legislation also has the potential to prohibit or curb new industry initiatives aimed at improving quality and efficiency while reducing costs such as data aggregation, administrative simplification, and quality measurement.

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News & Politics

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• Scott Garrett
• New Jersey
• Health Care
• House of Representatives
• Barack Obama
• Health insurance