West OC Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Michelle Steel’s bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering costs, increasing access, and improving the quality of health care has passed the House Education and Workforce Committee.

The Healthy Competition for Better Care Act now moves to the House floor for a vote. The legislation aims to lower health care costs by creating a more competitive and transparent health care marketplace and is projected to save $3.2 billion in taxpayer dollars, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

“The Healthy Competition for Better Care Act lowers costs and provides Americans with more health care choices,” said Rep. Steel. “Large health systems have engaged in anti-competitive practices which have reduced choices and raised costs. My legislation cracks down on anti-competitive practices by removing restrictions which have long prevented badly needed competition in health care markets.”

H.R. 3120 allows employers and insurers increased flexibility to contract with providers appropriate for their patients and provides incentives for enrollees to seek higher-quality, lower-cost care.

The legislation has wide support from numerous policy and advocacy organizations. A companion measure in the Senate is sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN).

“Transparency and competition are essential to an affordable and accessible health care system. The Bipartisan Policy Center has recommended that Congress prohibit hospitals and health systems from engaging in anti-competitive practices that may lead to higher costs for consumers. BPC Action supports the Committee’s inclusion of The Healthy Competition for Better Care Act in this Wednesday’s markup and applauds Reps. Steel and Davis’ leadership on this issue," said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

"The Council for Affordable Health Coverage is proud to support the bipartisan Healthy Competition for Better Care Act because it will enhance competition in the healthcare sector, lower costs, and expand affordable coverage for all Americans. Anti-competitive practices drive up health costs, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs while limiting consumers’ choices. H.R. 3120 empowers consumers and allows them to receive premium discounts if they choose lower-cost, high-quality doctors. It’s past time for Congress to enact the Healthy Competition for Better Care Act,” said Joel White, President of The Council for Affordable Health Coverage.

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