09.10.2024 / Press Release
Families USA Executive Director Anthony Wright Testifies on ERISA’s 50th Anniversary, and the Need for Congress to Act on Health Affordability
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA, will testify today before the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on the 50th anniversary of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the value and state of employer-based coverage. Families USA has worked for decades to advocate in Congress to improve ERISA, and ultimately to bring higher quality and more affordable health care to millions of people in America.
“The 50th anniversary of ERISA is an opportunity to reflect on the state of employer-based insurance, a pillar of our health system that covered 60% of the nation — 164 million Americans, including the 2/3 of them in self-insured plans,” said Wright in his testimony. “What we hear from employers and workers alike is deep and pervasive concern about the cost and value of care and coverage. In fact, 93% of Americans agree that our country is paying too much for the quality of health care we receive, and more than half of adults in that same poll said that their most recent health care experience was not worth the cost. Put simply, consumers are clamoring for action to address health care affordability.”
“Inflated and irrational health care prices are putting Americans’ health and financial security at risk. Congress needs to be vigilant and proactive in updating ERISA and other federal laws that improve access and affordability to health care.”
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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.