On Monday, June 15, Congressman Andrews hosted a town hall discussion on how to improve our nation’s health care system. In response to rising health care costs and increasing economic issues, Congressman Andrews reached out to local medical professionals, health care and business leaders, and residents of South Jersey to participate in this important dialogue on how we can work together to make health insurance more affordable. The discussion was hosted by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey at its Stratford Campus, where professionals and constituents voiced their concerns about the rising cost of insurance, aid with reimbursements, and difficulties associated with appealing claims. The Congressman stated that a more efficient and less costly system will directly ease the burdens associated with our current system.
Rep. Andrews highlighted several proposals designed to limit the rising costs of health care. Specifically, Congressman Andrews called for increasing competition within the health care industry, thus creating a ripple effect among providers forcing them to lower their premiums and compete for business.
"We want 20 insurance companies competing for your business, rather than just two as is usually the case now. More competition will lower health care costs for everyone in the long run.”
Rep. Andrews also highlighted that rewarding those who take better care of themselves through preventative care and wellness activities will result in lower costs, as there will be less demand for more drastic costly procedures which are often responsible for high premiums. The Congressman called for a higher investment in the medical profession, specifically improving the resources and the skills needed by doctors, nurses, therapists and researchers so they can excel in their mission to promote wellness. Finally, Congressman Andrews pointed out that covering the uninsured is not only necessary for the millions of Americans who struggle without insurance, but it also vital to our nation’s economic prosperity. While insured Americans often bear the heavy financial burden for those who cannot afford coverage, more and more money is put into the health care system and not invested into our nation’s economic growth.
As Congress continues to work to reform our health care system, Rep. Andrews remains dedicated to limiting the system’s financial burdens so that Americans can afford quality care while the 46 million uninsured can receive the converge they need to lead healthy and prosperous lives.
