ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-MN) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) are announcing the introduction of their “Fair Care” legislation, which provides a refundable tax credit that the uninsured can use to buy health insurance.

“Simply put, people are uninsured because they don’t have the money to buy health insurance,” stated CAHI Director Dr. Merrill Matthews. “Legislation like this helps them afford the insurance plan that is best suited for them. It’s far more efficient and practical to let them get what they want, rather than letting the government tell them what they need.”

The Fair Care legislation provides a tax credit to the uninsured so they can purchase private health insurance. The tax credit provides $1,000 for an individual, $2,000 for a couple and an additional $500 per child, up to $3,000 per family. The legislation requires states to establish high-risk health insurance pools to ensure availability of health coverage for individuals who are uninsurable or with high health costs. Finally, the bill would provide choice and access to affordable health insurance coverage through Individual Membership Associations.

“We applaud Congressmen Kennedy and Lipinski for introducing legislation that will ensure all Americans get fair care by providing an equitable health insurance tax credit, access for those who need it most through state-run qualified high-risk pools, and flexible and affordable options through Individual Membership Association plans,” stated CAHI Director of Federal Affairs Angela Hunter.

For additional information and resources on the "Fair Care for the Uninsured Act of 2005," please see CAHI Issues: Tax Credits for the Uninsured.

Founded in 1992, CAHI is a non-profit research and advocacy association whose mission is to develop and promote free market solutions to America’s health care challenges. CAHI’s membership includes health insurance companies (active in the individual, small group, HSA and senior markets), small businesses, physicians, actuaries and insurance brokers.

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