For too long, families in Mississippi and across the country have struggled with the high cost of health insurance.  The problem has risen to an alarming level, with an estimated 47 million Americans without health insurance.  In Mississippi, the number of uninsured is estimated at over 500,000.

Every citizen in our country should have access to affordable health insurance.  I recently introduced legislation that contains six patient-centered provisions to lower health care costs and increase coverage options for consumers.  My bill, the Making Health Care More Affordable Act, will serve as a pathway to insuring the millions of Americans who are currently without health insurance.

                                 HEALTH CARE TAX INCENTIVES
To help individuals and families afford health insurance, my bill provides a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for individuals – and up to $6,000 for a family of four – in order to purchase health insurance.  This tax credit amount would give Mississippians enough purchasing power to afford the same basic level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees enjoy.  Additionally, my legislation calls for the expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) by doubling the annual contribution limit and allowing Medicare beneficiaries and veterans to own HSAs.  An alternative to traditional health insurance, HSAs work by allowing individuals and families to save money on a tax-free basis to pay for current and future medical expenses as long as high deductible insurance is purchased.

                            INCREASED COMPETITION, CHOICES
Small businesses power our economy and create more jobs than any other sector.  Unfortunately, the high cost of health insurance restricts many small business owners from providing coverage for their employees.  To help alleviate this problem, my bill would permit small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance for their employees.  This concept, commonly referred to as Small Business Health Plans, would allow small businesses to leverage their purchasing power in order to purchase group health insurance at a cheaper rate, a benefit labor unions and large corporations already enjoy. 

In another attempt to increase health care options, my legislation would give individuals and families the freedom to purchase health care across state lines.  Consumers would maintain their current choices, while having access to health care benefits and services in any of the 50 states.

Additionally, the Making Health Care More Affordable Act addresses frivolous lawsuits that are driving up the cost of health care.  My bill would place a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, helping end the practice of “defensive medicine” that is slowing health care delivery and increasing costs for all consumers.
The final component of my legislation encourages further advancement in the medical technology field by establishing an electronic medical records bank.  Medical technology increases health care productivity and reduces medical errors, both helping drive down prices. 

                                   REFORMS ARE NEEDED
The nation’s health care system needs reforms so that those uninsured Americans who want coverage can find it at an affordable rate.  I believe we can accomplish these goals and provide coverage to every American without creating a government-run system.  The Making Health Care More Affordable Act is a step in that direction.

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