CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Eric Wohlschlegel
(202)463-5682/888-249-NEWS

Wednesday, January 30, 2002

Chamber Hails President's Plan to Help Uninsured, Backs Health Coverage Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The United States Chamber of Commerce today applauded President Bush for his efforts to extend medical coverage for the uninsured.  

"Helping uninsured Americans is the most pressing issue in the health care debate today," said Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber executive vice president.  "We commend the president for being in touch with the needs of America's families and protecting their economic security." 

The Chamber advocates strengthening and expanding the current employer-based system through tax incentives for individuals who buy their own health insurance -- including refundable tax credits for those with low incomes and full tax code parity for all who pay premiums -- and making coverage more affordable through self-funded pooling arrangements for small businesses, individuals and the self-employed.

In particular, the Chamber commended the president for making public funding available for private coverage.  "This is the most cost-effective way to extend coverage to the uninsured," Josten emphasized.

The budget proposal also would allow users of workplace-sponsored flexible spending accounts to roll over unspent funds, changing the unpopular "use it or lose it" rule.  "This flexibility is particularly important as cost-sharing for health plan enrollees increases," said Josten.  He noted that allowing employees to budget for out-of-pocket health care expenses over the course of a year means they won't have to risk breaking the family budget in any given month to meet health care expenses.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

###

02-012