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Members Discuss Ways to Improve Health Care Through the Tax Code

14 Members Present Tax-Related Proposals to Increase Access to High-Quality, Affordable Health Care Options
May 17, 2016 — Blog   

Today, the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), held the Committee’s second Member Day Hearing. These are opportunities for Members of the House to present legislative solutions to the biggest challenges facing their constituents. At today’s hearing, a group of bipartisan Members discussed their ideas for modernizing the tax code to improve our health care system and deliver high-quality, affordable, consumer–driven options to all Americans. 


Health Member DayFrom left to right: Reps. Bera (D-CA), Noem (R-SD), McSally (R-AZ), Messer (R-IN), Smith (R-NE), and Meng (D-NY)

As Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said at the start of the hearing:

“Last week, Tax Policy Subcommittee Chairman Boustany hosted the first Member Day hearing we’ve had in years. Members on both sides of the aisle presented their ideas for improving our current tax system.

“We’re continuing that open and transparent process today with another Member Day hearing focused on a major priority of our Committee. We’re moving forward with innovative solutions to provide Americans more access, better choices, and greater flexibility in health care … 

“A number of provisions in the tax code were created to expand health care access and lower costs for the American people. But some of them work better than others, and some may not be working at all. It’s our responsibility to take a hard look at the tax code, build on what’s effective, and fix what’s not delivering results.”

Chairman Tiberi added:

“Today this subcommittee is providing a public platform for any and all interested Members of Congress to discuss bills they have introduced that modify the way health care is treated in our tax code. Members have put a lot of work into developing and drafting these pieces of legislation. And this Member Day hearing is their opportunity to share with their colleagues— and the American people— why these bills are important and why this committee should take them up.”

The following Members testified today:
Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)
Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Erik Paulsen (R-MN)
Kristi Noem (R-SD)
Luke Messer (R-IN)
Mark Meadows (R-NC)
Mike Kelly (R-PA)
Ami Bera (D-CA)
Mike Thompson (D-CA)
Charles Boustany (R-LA)
Chris Stewart (R-UT)
Grace Meng (D-NY)
Martha McSally (R-AZ)
Suzan DelBene (D-WA)

For more information about today’s hearing, click here.