For Immediate Release October 5, 2004
Contact: Laura Clay Trueman
(202) 626-8573 ltrueman@jeffersongr.com
Uninsured Americans Need Help
The Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage congratulated Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for introducing the “Save Act of 2004.” The bill offers advanceable, refundable tax credits to help individuals and families with low-to-modest incomes afford health insurance. “The bill fills a needed gap in our health care system by helping those who earn too much to receive public assistance yet work in lower wage jobs without access to health coverage,” said Laura Clay Trueman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage.
Under the Murkowski bill, individuals and families with incomes under 350% of the federal poverty level would be eligible to receive a credit of up to $1000 per adult and $500 per dependent child. The maximum credit for a family would be $3000. The bill also provides small employers who contribute to Health Savings Accounts for their workers a tax credit of up to $200 per individual worker ($500 for family coverage).
“The legislation targets the largest and most vulnerable pocket of the uninsured,” said Trueman. “Recent data show that most of the uninsured have incomes just above the federal poverty level, and would fall into the income categories defined in this legislation.”
In addition to the credits for individual insurance and for employers who fund HSAs for their workers, Senator Murkowski’s bill also contains provisions to expand high-risk pools, allowing those with chronic conditions to obtain health insurance through state pools established for that purpose.
“We commend Senator Murkowski for introducing this strong bill, and are particularly enthusiastic about Sen. Murkowski’s focus on helping lower income workers better afford their share of employer-sponsored health insurance” stated Coalition Board Member Neil Trautwein, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. “We look forward to working with Members of Congress in both parties to promote this and other market-based solutions to increase levels of health insurance coverage among Americans.”
Founded in 2001, the Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage advocates for market-based solutions to extend health coverage to uninsured Americans. Members represent a wide cross-section of interests in the health care field, including employers, physician organizations, insurers, consumer groups, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. For more information about the Coalition, visit www.cahc.net.
Aetna
AdvaMed
America's Health Insurance Plans
American Campaign for Consumer Choice and Lower Health Costs
American College of Cardiology
American Legislative Exchange Council
American Medical Association
American Osteopathic Association
Assurant Health
Bayer Corporation
Federation of American Hospitals
FMC Corporation
GlaxoSmithKline
Healthcare Leadership Council
National Association of Health Underwriters
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association for the Self-Employed
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
UnitedHealth Group
Women Impacting Public Policy
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
For more information, please contact Laura Clay Trueman,
(202) 626-8573
Executive Director, Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage