A Choice for Real Health Care Solutions

United States Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX 32nd) has combined hard work, innovative thinking, free-market solutions and common sense principles and values to build a successful family, business, and congressional career. Congressman Sessions is a stalwart defender of U.S. homeland and national security interests, as well as the men and women who defend them. As the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, he is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Congressman Sessions also believes that taxpayers deserve to get results from government, and has pursued common-sense, market-based reforms to help government operate more efficiently.

As November election choices become clear, the stakes for America's future are higher than ever. As Americans, we want real solutions for the serious issues facing our nation, including our health care system.

Health care costs continue to spiral out of control and nearly 46 million Americans will go without health care coverage this year. The primary reason: they simply can’t afford health insurance.

For the 12 years I have served in Congress, I have passionately advocated for 21st century health care solutions, having seen first-hand the dire need for health care reforms. That is why I believe that all Americans deserve the same treatment on their health care dollars.

Currently, federal tax policy discriminates against people who buy their own coverage in the individual insurance market. Employers get a tax deduction for what they spend on coverage, and they receive a tax exclusion for the employer contribution. The self-employed can deduct 100 percent of their health insurance premiums from their taxes. However, employees who purchase individual health insurance do not receive this tax-favored status—they pay taxes first.

Many valuable solutions have been offered to equalize this tax treatment, including tax deductions or tax credits that are advancable or refundable for the purchase of health coverage. Republicans initiated this idea with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) – a modern, common-sense plan that allows individuals to move tax-free dollars into accounts to use for qualified medical expenses.

We as Americans strive for more ownership over our health coverage, and HSAs, tax deductions, and tax credits allow for that ownership and control. Now Congress should promote a system in which patients own their health insurance coverage, leading to individual empowerment that will allow for portability, affordability, and greater access to quality care. Americans need common-sense solutions, and the choice is ours.