QUALITY CARE FOR THE UNINSURED ACT OF 1999 -- (Extensions of Remarks -
October 07, 1999)
[Page: E2066]
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SPEECH OF
HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1999
- Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in supporting this
bill that addresses the problem of the rising number of Americans who cannot
afford health insurance. Under this plan, we will be able to extend health
care options to the 44 million people in our country who remain
uninsured.
- We know that most people without health insurance have one thing in
common: they cannot afford health care. They are either self-employed or they
work in a small business that cannot afford to pay for health
benefits.
- The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act creates Association Health Plans to
combat the high cost of health care in our country. Small businesses and
self-employers will now have the ability to join together under the umbrella
of trade and professional organizations to buy health insurance for themselves
and their employees.
- Association Health Plans will bring more choices and greater flexibility
to those who need it most. Estimates show that small businesses will save
between 10 and 20 percent on health care costs with Association Health Plans.
By cutting costs, we can expand health care coverage for the millions of
hard-working Americans that are currently uninsured.
- I commend Representative TALENT and Representative SHADEGG
for their dedication to this important issue, and I urge my colleagues to
support this bill.
END