Domenici Amendment A Tremendous Victory For Consumers

Nov 10, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 1999

CONTACT: Richard Coorsh

1-(800)-453-8795

(pager number for November 9-10, 1999)

(202) 824-1787

rcoorsh@hiaa.org

The following statement was released today by Chip Kahn, President of the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA):

Today’s approval of the Domenici amendment to the Balanced Budget bill is a tremendous victory for consumers. By calling for an immediate, 100 percent tax deduction for the self-employed and a phased-in deduction individually purchased health and long-term care insurance, the Domenici amendment recognizes that cost is the biggest obstacle preventing people from buying the coverage that they need and want.

An immediate 100 percent tax deduction is a prominent provision in HIAA’s "InsureUSA" proposal to provide coverage to the nation’s uninsured. We are thrilled that Congress is giving credence to using the tax code to expand coverage. We also are hopeful that more and more Americans soon will be able to take advantage of this important tax reform to protect themselves from high health and long-term care costs.

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