01.31.2024 / Statement

Congressional Hearing on Health Care Spending Signals Ongoing Bipartisan Effort to Lower Health Costs for Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yael Lehmann, Families USA Interim Executive Director, issued the following statement on the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health hearing being held today, “Health Care Spending in the United States: Unsustainable for Patients, Employers, and Taxpayers.” Families USA’s Senior Director of Health Policy, Sophia Tripoli, is testifying before the committee as part of today’s proceedings and will be available for comment.

“High and rising health care costs leave American patients, workers, employers, and taxpayers from all walks of life straining to meet their health care and other basic needs. Many have forgone care or struggle to balance paying for medical expenses, rent and food – causing about 40% of adult Americans to incur medical debt.

“Today’s hearing is part of a broader bipartisan effort to right the wrongs of a system that prioritizes high-cost, low-value care over families’ health and wallets. It shows that Congress can help families have greater financial security and peace of mind that they won’t be charged irrationally for hospital stays, surgical procedures, and basic diagnostic tests – and that they will know how much these services will cost before they are at the doctor’s office or hospital. And that ultimately, they will pay the same price for the same service, regardless of where they receive care.

“Congress should seize this moment to deliver relief to the American people by enacting policies that curb excessive health care costs and industry consolidation and ensure the interests of families are at the heart of our health care system. We applaud the House for passing the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act last December, and urge Congress to include this critical legislation as part of any legislation to fund the government this March.”

Sophia Tripoli’s congressional testimony can be found here.

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.