Today AHIP submitted testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for its hearing, “Proposals to Achieve Universal Health Care Coverage.” Here are a few highlights:

Every American deserves affordable, comprehensive coverage—regardless of their income, health status, or pre-existing conditions. Health insurance providers work every day to fulfill this commitment: to improve affordability and access; promote health, wellness and prevention; address the significant drivers of chronic disease and poor health; give consumers the power to choose the care and coverage that works best for them and their families; and improve patient care and the consumer experience with innovative tools, treatments, and technologies.

“AHIP and our members believe that the best way to bring down costs is to improve what’s working and fix what’s not, so that everyone has affordable coverage, access to high-quality care, and control over their health care choices.”

“When the free market and public programs work together to bring down the underlying cost of health care while improving health and value, we can improve affordability, reduce premium growth, and expand access to high-quality care for every American.  To support this goal, AHIP has developed a comprehensive set of recommendations that Congress and the Administration can implement to address rising health care costs without massive disruption to the 300 million Americans who have coverage today.”

“Health insurance providers do far more than provide coverage and process claims. Insurance providers use their 360-degree view of the patient’s experience to understand the root of their health care concern and create new solutions to sustainably improve their well-being.”

“A broken bone shouldn’t break the bank. And we all have a role to play in improving health care in America. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Trump Administration on solutions—including the recommendations we have outlined—for making health care more affordable.”