Ways and Means Floats Health Care “Backpack” Plan

On February 2, the House Ways and Means Committee sent out a news release discussing policies to be included in the reform of the country’s health care system. Describing the current system as a “failing bureaucracy”, the Republican leadership in the committee say they are looking to “[move] toward the concept of a ‘health care backpack’”, which would provide ways for Americans to better direct, coordinate, and access their own care. The “A Better Way” plan relies heavily on personal health savings accounts, and also seeks to increase portability of health insurance and the sale of insurance plans across state lines. 

 

Several committees held hearings on health care related matters last week. Some key hearings (with links to testimony and video where available) are linked below:

 

House Ways and Means: “Examining the Effectiveness of the Individual Mandate under the ACA“

House Budget Committee: “The Failures of Obamacare: Harmful Effects and Broken Promises“

House Energy and Commerce Committee: “Medicaid Oversight: Existing Problems and Ways to Strengthen the Program“, “Strengthening Medicaid and Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable“

House Education and Workforce Committee: “Rescuing Americans from the Failed Health Care Law and Advancing Patient-Centered Solutions“
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee: “Obamacare Emergency: Stabilizing the Individual Health Insurance Market“