FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Laura Clay Trueman
March 6, 2003
Acting Executive Director, CAHC
202/626-8238
ltrueman@cahc.com

Health Care Coalition Applauds Granger-Wynn Bill to Reduce the Medically Uninsured

The Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) commends Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) for her eagerness to address the issue of the uninsured. At a press conference today, Reps. Granger and Wynn announced their tax credit legislation, “Securing Access Value and Equality (SAVE) to Health Care Act,” joined by CAHC members who were present to express their support. “We applaud Congresswoman Granger and Congressman Wynn for their commitment to a solution for the uninsured that will really benefit those who are most in need of assistance," said Janet Trautwein, director of federal policy for National Association of Health Underwriters, a member organization of CAHC.

“The Granger-Wynn bill would greatly help not only hard-working families, but also those with higher premiums due to age, medical status or geographic location,” said John Desser, CAHC acting executive director. Eligible individuals with higher premiums would receive additional assistance for coverage equal to one-half of their premium costs above the dollar limits stated in the proposal.

Those members who represent business interests in the Coalition also support the tax credit proposal in the bill, as it can be used to purchase coverage of the individual’s choosing as well as put toward an employer-sponsored health plan. “The ‘S.A.V.E.’ health care credit strengthens the employer-based health care system on which most Americans depend,” said Kate Sullivan, health care policy director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, another member organization of CAHC. “Workplace coverage has been hit hard by runaway costs, and moderate income families are finding it harder to afford their portion of the premiums.”

CAHC came together in September 2001 to support the use of refundable health tax credits and other market-oriented approaches that would increase access to health insurance for millions of people across the country. “We are very pleased that Congresswoman Granger and Congressman Wynn have come forward with this legislation at this time. It is another important step in focusing attention on the uninsured, and spurring action by Congress to address this critical issue,” said Desser. The Coalition looks forward to continuing discussion with policymakers who recognize the urgency of the issue and who are committed to position the issue of the uninsured as central to their legislative priorities.

For further information about the Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage and related issues visit the CAHC Web site at: www.cahc.net