KENNEDY OPPOSES REPUBLICAN HEALTH CARE PLAN THAT WOULD RAISE PREMIUMS AND TAKE AWAY THE HEALTH BENEFITS THAT ALL AMERICANS DESERVE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS, KEY GROUPS, FIGHT BILL THAT WOULD ELIMINATE STATE BENEFITS LIKE CANCER SCREENINGS

Washington, DC: Today, the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee continued its negotiations of a Republican plan that would raise the premiums and lower the benefits for millions of Americans who already have health coverage today. Although the bill has been presented as legislation for small businesses, the effects of this bill go far beyond the “small business plans” and would sweep away important protections for patients in every state-regulated insurance market. Senator Kennedy opposes the plan and will offer amendments to improve it, including one that would strike the language relating to state benefits. Kennedy and his colleagues have offered an alternative bill to give small business real help and assistance to provide meaningful health coverage. “Unfortunately, the bill before us includes damaging provisions to repeal existing laws that make healthcare coverage more affordable for millions of Americans. It sets up the barest of bare bones standards for benefits – sweeping aside requirements to cover cancer screening, well baby care, immunization, access to specialists and many other needed services.” Senator Kennedy said. “In the name of helping small businesses afford health insurance for their workers, the Republican plan is a blank check for the insurance industry and a bad deal for patients, resulting in higher premiums and lower benefits for millions of Americans with reliable health coverage today.” Kennedy offered amendments to help solve the health care crisis in this country such as fixing Medicare Part D, offering Medicare for all Americans, and allowing small businesses to buy drugs at the same price that the Veterans Administration does. He also offered an amendment that would strike the preemption language in the bill and allow states to choose whether or not to adopt the rating rules, benefit package, and harmonization standards promulgated under the Act. Below is a summary of the Republican plan, Senator Kennedy’s statement on state choice, and summaries of his mental health parity amendment, his Medicare for All amendment, his Part D Fix amendment and his VA drug prices amendment. Also attached is the lengthy list of groups that oppose the Republican bill.