WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Protecting Americans’ Coverage Together (PACT) campaign members reaffirmed the importance of employer-sponsored health coverage in response to a Senate Budget Committee hearing on “Medicare for All” proposals.
PACT members, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, Council for Affordable Health Coverage and The National Association of Manufacturers, represent leading employer voices focused on strengthening the employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) program and protecting the coverage and benefits that American families depend on for their health.
“Any kind of Medicare for All plan, including a public option, is a recipe for chaos in the American healthcare system. Medicare expansion would be highly disruptive and take away the quality, comprehensive coverage that millions of working people depend on and value. It would also require devastating tax increases and dramatically increase spending as well as government control over health care decisions. Instead, we must build on what already works for millions of Americans by strengthening the employer-sponsored insurance system. This system is the backbone of American health care and consistently delivers value and satisfaction. With aligned incentives, it provides reliable, flexible benefits that generate significant return on investment for American businesses and their employees alike. PACT is eager to work with lawmakers to improve health care access and affordability, building on the foundation of the employer-sponsored insurance system.” - Katie Mahoney, PACT spokesperson and Vice President of Health Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
"It's sad to see the same tired Washington-first health care ideas. Frustrated voters deserve more. Our recent voter survey found 92 percent of people have coverage, typically from their employer, not government. And 82 percent like it, a lot. Unfortunately, by a 3 to 1 margin they do not believe Congress is addressing their health care priorities. One example is so-called Medicare for all, which would take away what people have and replace it with a political program run by politicians and bureaucrats out of Washington. COVID and inflation are crushing small businesses. Instead of taking away what people have and like, Congress should help small businesses offer better coverage to their employees." - Joel White, President of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage
“The NAM believes that health care should be simpler and that current costs are not affordable for American families and individuals, but a Medicare for All plan like a public option risks further shifting costs to manufacturers and the families who are covered by employer-sponsored health care. Employers are leading a great deal of innovation in health care delivery, and those positive developments must be allowed to flourish. The economies of scale that have come to define employer-sponsored coverage for more than 160 million Americans create a vehicle to design benefits that are more flexible, innovative and efficient, but this only works if health care innovation is encouraged and not squelched by government interference. Manufacturers urge the committee to advance policies that will promote innovation and value by encouraging reforms that are in step with the next generation of health care delivery.” - Robyn Boerstling, Vice President of Infrastructure, Innovation, and Human Resources at the National Association of Manufacturers
“Over 50% of insured Americans receive health coverage through their employer. Any efforts by Congress to expand access to health coverage should not put at risk the coverage that most Americans rely upon, but instead build upon the private insurance market. Business Roundtable members provide high value health coverage and important health care services, like mental health and wellness benefits, to tens of millions of Americans and are deeply committed to ensuring the long-term stability of the nation’s health system in a way that promotes value, access and equity.” - Corey Astill, Vice President, Health Care and Retirement at Business Roundtable
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