The third installment of our Member of the Week serious continues with an issue profile as discussed by Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA). Yesterday, we presented Rep. Broun's answers to five questions, including one about what aspect of government he would reform. In addition to repealing Obamacare, he wanted to present a conservative way forward. His Patient OPTION Act is that way forward.
In the coming weeks, Rep. Broun will reintroduce the Patient OPTION Act, which (originally introduced in the 111th Congress). OPTION, which stands for Offering Patients True and Individualized Options Now, would do just that: implement a free-market health care system that empowers individuals, not Washington bureaucrats. As a doctor, Rep. Broun brings some much-needed insights into how to give patients the best healthcare without making them dependent on the government.
As Rep. Broun puts it, "when it comes to health care plans, one size certainly doesn't fit all." And that is why his bill offers patients options that they can choose from, not options dictated by Big Government. Upon repeal of Obamacare, the Patient OPTION Act would:
- Allow patients to purchase health insurance across state lines
- Lower health insurance costs
- Allow for health care related expenses to become tax deductible
- Expand health savings accounts (HSAs) contributions and eligibility
- Allow physicians to donate to charity and pro bono cares easier
- Reform Medicare to a market-based system, similar to the Ryan plan
- Allow individuals to keep their health insurance if they leave their job
- Make it easier for businesses and other entities to pool together in order to create an affordable insurance plan for their employees
- Make health care pricing more transparent
- Reform current EMTALA regulations
The majority of Americans continue to oppose Obamacare and want it repealed. They understand that when the government takes control over 1/6 of our economy, things will go terribly awry. Rep. Broun obviously understands this, too, and has provided a blueprint to begin discussing the sort of reforms our country desperately needs..
Related Links:
Congressional Profile: Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)
5 Questions with Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA)