Sens. Cassidy, Graham Discuss Health Care Proposal With Republican Governors

Targeted News Service (Press Releases)

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- The office of Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., issued the following news release:

Today, US Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) held a conference call with Republican governors and health policy advisors on their proposal for health care reform.

Graham and Cassidy released this statement following today's call:

"We had a productive discussion today with a number of Republican governors on the Graham-Cassidy proposal. We're thankful for their time and input.

"The governors understand that no two states are the same. What works for health care in one state may not work in another. South Carolina is different than Louisiana. It's one of the main reasons Obamacare has not lived up to the promises made by its creators. It was designed as a one-size fits all solution with Washington in total control.

"Obamacare has shown that coercing states and patients into a system that was not designed with their needs in mind does not work. Our proposal moves in the other direction by returning power to states and the people. It would empower states to craft solutions specific to the needs of their citizens.

"Each state would receive a set level of federal assistance based on the size of its eligible population, cost of care and other factors. If a state's eligible population grew, the amount it received would likewise increase.

Congress would set the guidelines to ensure adequate coverage and requirements covering preexisting conditions would stay in place. But states would be free to craft their own system to best address the needs of patients in their states."

BACKGROUND:

Last week, Cassidy and Graham brought forward a new approach to health care reform that would redirect much of the current federal funding for Obamacare health insurance - an estimated $110 billion in 2016 - and future funding directly to the states to use for health care spending.