CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE TO ROY BLUNT: YOUR HEALTH CARE PLAN INCREASES UNINSURED BY 6 MILLION, HIKES COSTS 50%

Nov 06, 2009

Eric Schultz, DSCC

Many months after he was named Chair of the Republican House Health Care Solutions Group, Congressman Roy Blunt finally unveiled his health care plan – problem is, it would cause serious harm to Missouri families by swelling the ranks of the uninsured, increasing premiums, and allowing insurance companies to continue their abuses unchecked. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office recently scored Blunt’s bill and concluded that by 2019 the number of uninsured would actually increase to about 52 million. Blunt’s plan also allows insurers to continue denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, with some people paying up to 50 percent more for insurance coverage. This is what happens when you let the insurance industry write your bill for you. Blunt has received nearly $600,000 from the insurance industry over his career and has close connections to a number of registered lobbyists. Blunt’s health care plan shows once again that he spends his time in Washington fighting not for the people of Missouri, but for special interests.

“Months after promising to release a health care bill, Roy Blunt finally cobbled together a plan that only the insurance lobby could love,” said Eric Schultz, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Communications Director. “Instead of offering solutions to the health care crisis, Congressman Blunt’s plan makes it worse. Missourians are looking for a Senator who will put their interests first, not one who is only looking out for the interests of K Street.”

What they’re saying about Congressman Roy Blunt’s health care plan –
· Their legislation won’t prevent health insurers from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions, and it won’t provide money to help those without health insurance.” [MSNBC, 11/03/09]

· “The House Republican bill would not explicitly prohibit insurers from denying coverage to people because of pre-existing medical conditions, even though many Republicans have said they agree with Democrats that the federal government should outlaw such denials.” [New York Times, 11/04/09]

· “People with pre-existing medical conditions would pay up to 50 percent more for insurance coverage under a draft version of House Republicans’ health care plan.” [Roll Call, 11/3/09]

· “The Republican legislation won’t end insurance industry practices that discriminate against high-risk individuals or provide tax credits to help the uninsured purchase coverage, even though both were included in rank-and-file GOP bills.” [Politico, 11/02/09]

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