Press Releases

Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) recently joined House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) in introducing the Healthy Competition for Better Care Act. This bipartisan legislation promotes transparency in health care, cracks down on anti-competitive practices, and removes restrictions preventing competition in health care markets.

"I have often said that the best way to lower health care costs for hardworking Americans is to enhance competition in the marketplace. For too long, anti-competitive practices have driven up premiums and out-of-pocket costs while simultaneously limiting consumers’ ability to choose the health care plan that meets their needs," said Congressman Allen. "The Healthy Competition for Better Care Act proposes comprehensive reforms to improve our flawed system by increasing transparency, fostering greater competition, expanding access to quality care, and lowering skyrocketing health care costs. I thank Representative Arrington for his leadership on this legislation and look forward to its consideration by the Education and Workforce Committee."

"Americans are paying too much for too little health care," said Chairman Arrington. "My Healthy Competition for Better Care Act cracks down on anti-competitive practices, removes unnecessary restrictions, and gives patients the freedom to find better-quality and lower-cost care. This bipartisan legislation puts hardworking families first, ensures fair competition, and puts patients, not bureaucrats, back in charge of their health care."

"ERIC strongly supports the 'Healthy Competition for Better Care Act' because it promotes transparency, eliminates anti-competitive barriers, and empowers patients to choose high-quality, lower-cost care," said Melissa Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Health Policy at The ERISA Industry Committee. "Encouraging these value-driven provider partnerships is essential to helping employers and employees access the best care at the best prices. We applaud Representatives Arrington, Davis and Allen for introducing the legislation and look forward to working with them to advance more affordable health care solutions."

 BACKGROUND:

• The legislation promotes transparency in health care, cracks down on anti-competitive practices, and removes restrictions preventing competition in health care markets. In all, making health care better for patients and lowering health care costs.
• The legislation enables more group health plans and health insurance issuers to enter into agreements with providers that guide enrollees to high-value providers and provide incentives to encourage enrollees to seek higher-quality, lower-cost care.
• The legislation was scored by the Congressional Budget Office last Congress to save an estimated $4.9 billion over 10 years.