In 2013, I wrote in support of the numerous pro-taxpayer provisions in the American Health Care Reform Act, as authored by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was then Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). This legislation was the preferred option for most House conservatives seeking a better, more market-driven approach to health care reform. This week, Rep. Roe, along with new RSC Chairman, Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), released an updated version of the legislation.
Once again, the American Health Care Reform Act contains plenty of provisions worthy of applause. The bill begins where it ought to – by fully repealing the Affordable Health Care Act or “Obamacare.”
To replace the disastrous law, Roe and Flores would create a tax deduction that could be used by individuals and families to pay for health insurance. As I wrote previously:
Such a shift toward portability in coverage would better align tax policy with today’s dynamic workforce and help to expand insurance options by providing financial flexibility directly to individuals and families. The tax deduction – as well as the bill’s provision permitting the cross-state purchase of insurance – would foster increased competition in the marketplace, thus reducing costs and improving quality of care.
Additionally, the bill would wisely expand Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which empower consumers rather than insurance companies or government bureaucrats. By allowing larger contributions to HSAs and permitting greater utilization of these funds, the American Health Care Reform Act would take a big step toward more free market health care system.
The Roe-Flores health care bill represents a thoughtful approach to repealing and replacing Obamacare. It should help to contribute to a healthy debate as Congress considers a path forward on health care reform.