SHADEGG INTRODUCES HEALTH CARE "CHOICE & ACCESS" LEGISLATION
Bill provides health care for the uninsured

WASHINGTON — U.S. Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ) was joined today by Jim Talent (R-MO) and the Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert, to introduce the Quality Care for the Uninsured Act.

The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act, which is based on legislation introduced by Shadegg in May (H.R. 1687, the Patient's Health Care Choice Act), gives Americans greater choice in health care options, greater access to health care, and improves incentives to purchase and consume health care services in a responsible fashion without complex government regulations and mandates.

"Sadly, the Democrats have ignored the problem of the uninsured. This legislation, however, addresses this inequity by providing an above the line deduction for the purchase of health insurance. This will allow the uninsured, especially families, greater affordability when purchasing health care," said Shadegg.

Quality Care for the Uninsured Act will also ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care; including new and improved avenues in which to purchase health insurance, such as, HealthMarts, Association Health Plans and Medical Savings Accounts.

"One of the greatest patient protections Congress can deliver is the right of every American to choose his or her own health care. People should not be trapped in a health care plan which was selected by someone else and doesn't meet their needs. People should be able to ‘shop with their feet' for health care like everything else we purchase," Shadegg said.

"When people have the ability to make informed decisions about their health care, plans which offer certain protections and benefits and serve their customers well will succeed, those which do not will be unable to compete. Until consumers can purchase their health care like their auto, homeowners', or life insurance, we won't reform health care, we will only re-regulate it."

"The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act will restore consumer choice, establish tax incentives, lower the cost and raise the quality of health care in America. I commend Mr. Talent and the Republican Leadership for their continued commitment to the issue of health care choice and access. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important legislation."

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