November 6, 2009

 

 

Hon. Brian Higgins (sent to all members of the WNY House delegation)
House of Representatives

 

Dear Congressman Higgins:

 

On behalf of the 2,500 employer members of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, I urge you to oppose the “Affordable Health Care for American Act” (HR 3962).

 

The Partnership strongly opposes the creation of a government-run public health insurance plan and the unfair competition it would inflict on the private sector, both in its size and regulatory authority. It would also have the disastrous effect of exacerbating cost-shifting to the private sector and dismantling the employer-based system. 

 

A new government plan, whether rates are tied to Medicare or are “negotiated” by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will underpay providers with artificially low rates, compounding the current problem of cost-shifting to the private sector and to all Americans covered by private plans. As private insurance becomes increasing unaffordable, millions of people would be forced to abandon the private coverage they currently enjoy.

 

A government-run plan is unnecessary to achieve reform. Instead, we encourage Congress to reform the insurance market and find ways to control the cost of health care. Without serious steps to decrease health care spending and make health insurance affordable, any health reform plan will fail. As a result, I urge you to oppose HR 3962 and encourage your leadership to instead work toward these important goals.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Andrew J. Rudnick