Problem Solvers Caucus and Governors Hickenlooper and Kasich Announce Support for Bipartisan Health Care Solutions

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., issued the following news release:

Today, Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and Governors John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and John Kasich (R-OH) spoke with the media about their support for common sense health care solutions to stabilize the health insurance marketplace and lower premiums for American families and businesses. The Members and Governors called on Congress and the President to set aside partisanship to provide relief to the American families, individuals and small businesses suffering in an uncertain marketplace.

"I am proud to stand with my fellow Problem Solvers on both sides of the aisle and Governors Hickenlooper and Kasich to show that, even in these polarized and challenging times, it is possible for people across the political spectrum to actually come together for the good of the American people," said Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "For too long health care had been approached as a purely partisan battle, but we are working to reset the conversation in a bipartisan way and provide relief to the individuals, families and small businesses who have been suffering from uncertainty and climbing premiums as the fate of CSR payments hangs in limbo."

Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23) added, "It is a great day for America when we put aside our political differences and put Americans first. The Problem Solvers Caucus, in conjunction with Governors Kasich and Hickenlooper demonstrated to our colleagues that only by working together, can we solve America's problems. Looking forward, we are already working on tax reforms that will remove the shackles from American business and unleash the innovation and optimism that drive America."

"As a doctor, when I see patients in the exam room, I never see them as Democrats or Republicans. I see a patient who needs help," said Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7). "Americans deserve quality, affordable health care - and representatives that work together to find solutions. Today, Democrats and Republicans, as well as two governors, are putting the American people before partisanship and demonstrating that good ideas cut across party lines when we work together to find common ground. Every doctor swears an oath: to do good, to do no harm, and to help patients make the best health care decisions for their own circumstances. I believe Congress should take that same oath."

"We refuse to stand by and watch partisan finger-pointing while the individual health care market is on the brink of collapse," said. Rep. Martha McSally (AZ-2). "Without certainty and stability provided by Congress, insurers will be forced to set 2018 premiums even higher. I am focused on finding common group and identifying and negotiating real solutions for Americans to this real and urgent problem, which is why I co-led the Problem Solvers Caucus bipartisan working group to put forward a plan to stabilize the individual market and provide immediate relief to constituents, families, and small businesses. I came to Congress to fight for my constituents in Southern Arizona and get things done. Together we call on the Senate and the President to do the same."

"People are sick of politicians playing politics and never getting anything done. Today's meeting was about Democrats and Republicans working together to try and get something done. Let's keep moving forward. We are gaining momentum," said Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Problem Solvers Caucus Vice-Chair.

"Fixing the country's health care system has to include the ideas of Republicans and Democrats and the Governors across the country who will implement major policy changes. Americans are demanding the two parties put workable solutions on the table. I'm proud to a part of the Problem Solvers Caucus that has an actionable plan that can be signed into law to improve our health care system and lower medical and insurance costs for all. This effort is picking up new momentum and it is time to act," said Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-7).

"I appreciate the bipartisan leadership shown by Governors Kasich and Hickenlooper, who understand the challenges of ensuring that their constituents have access to affordable, quality healthcare," said Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52). "Their support for our efforts in the Problem Solvers Caucus is welcome as we work to pass bipartisan healthcare solutions through Congress to strengthen the individual marketplaces and keep premiums down."

"Governors Hickenlooper and Kasich made the clear case today that Congress needs to act very quickly to prevent health insurance from becoming even less affordable for millions of Americans when Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums lock in for 2018 later this month," said Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3). "The Problem Solvers Caucus healthcare plan will prevent a 20% increase in premiums for benchmark plans by guaranteeing cost-sharing reduction (CSR) funding and help lower rates an additional 10% with a stabilization fund. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that by guaranteeing CSR payments we will prevent a $194 billion increase in our federal debt. Congress needs to do the right thing for Americans and pass this bipartisan, commonsense plan."

"I am pleased that Governor Hickenlooper and Governor Kasich are promoting a bipartisan healthcare plan," said Congressman Jared Polis (CO-2). "I believe bipartisanship is key to making any progress on healthcare. I am proud to be part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress that have been working on ways we can improve the healthcare system. I'm thrilled to know that many of our bipartisan solutions are echoed by Governor Hickenlooper and Governor Kasich, and I look forward to working with them to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all."

"Americans are fed up with partisan politics. They want us to prioritize solutions over politics; that is what the Problem Solvers Caucus is all about. We saw that while there is disagreement on elements of the ACA there is agreement that we need to stabilize the individual health care marketplace right now. Our package provides a bipartisan framework for just that. We look forward to working with the Senate HELP committee in any way we can to bring stability to our health care system," said Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-5).