Burgess Introduces Legislation To Reform The Congressional Health Benefits Program

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 19 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Texas) introduced H.R. 4190, a bill that would disqualify members of Congress and their families from the Federal employees health benefits program.

"I believe that before members of Congress can even attempt to reform America's health care system, they should know what it's like to be a consumer in that system," said Congressman Burgess. "We need to be aware of how costly and time-consuming it can be, as well as be familiar with the lack of information and transparency."

Congressman Burgess believes this will help members of Congress become better consumers of health insurance which would in turn assist in crafting more effective health care policy. H.R. 4190 states that each individual member will be given a $1500 voucher to shop for health insurance. Members with families will be given a $3000 voucher.

"This will be instructional for members, both Republicans and Democrats, as we tackle the challenge of reforming our health care system," said Congressman Burgess. "We should have to go out and shop for private health insurance just like many Americans are forced to do each year."

Even leading Democratic Presidential candidates have noted that Congress needs to be held accountable.

"Shopping for health insurance for yourself or your family is a fact of life for many, and in Washington we are supposed to set the guidelines for how Americans go about doing that," said Congressman Burgess. "I can't think of a better way for members to get first-hand knowledge of that process so we get back to work passing meaningful health care legislation."

http://burgess.house.gov