Curbelo and Problem Solvers Caucus Reach Bipartisan Agreement to Stabilize Healthcare

As Senior Vice-Chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) praised the Caucus' efforts to move the healthcare debate forward with a proposal to stabilize health insurance markets. The proposal includes the transfer of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to Congressional oversight, the creation of a state-issued stability fund to reduce premiums and limit provider losses, and an adjustment to the employer mandate system. Together, the Caucus hopes to provide relief to American families and small businesses affected by healthcare changes.

"It's critical to our democracy for Members of Congress to put politics aside and come together to find solutions to the issues affecting our constituents," Curbelo said. "Our healthcare system needs reform and I've been committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find market-based solutions that would result in increased coverage and lower costs. Together with my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus we are committed to working toward compromise and consensus that can move the conversation forward."

Co-Chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) marked the major accomplishment of the Caucus members to find consensus on key issues in the healthcare system.

"The last great hope for this country is that Republicans and Democrats prove they can work together," Reed said. "We've locked arms to continue the fight for the American people, their families and their healthcare. Today, we are proud to deliver a set of bipartisan solutions to move health coverage forward so that our fellow Americans can also move ahead with restored hope in their own future and in the ability of Congress to resolve critical issues. We as a Caucus, will continue to work together with bipartisan dignity and commitment to the American people, who deserve stable healthcare and a functional Congress."

"For too long, health care has been viewed as a fiercely partisan battleground, but the Problem Solvers Caucus has shown that it is possible to forge cooperation and fight through the gridlock. We all heard what John Mccain said -- it's time for bipartisan solutions," Gottheimer said. "And with premiums increasing by 25% this year in my home state of New Jersey, it's clear this bipartisan effort to stabilize the health insurance marketplace and lower premiums for everyone is sorely needed. This plan will help small businesses and families, especially those with preexisting conditions, by making permanent cost sharing reductions while protecting Medicaid for seniors and those struggling with substance abuse disorders. I thank my colleagues for their hard work and good faith efforts that got us to this point, and I look forward to working with them going forward to improve our health care system."

Details of the proposal are available here https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzGrAsu82Hmpc3g5OUxHRndjTGRVRUluNFFJNndBSklTRFpv/view.

BACKGROUND

The Problem Solvers Caucus is composed of 43 House Republicans and Democrats committed to developing comprehensive solutions that bridge the partisan divide in Washington. The Caucus was founded during the 114th Congress and is Co-Chaired by Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).

Read this original document at: https://curbelo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1607