Subcommittee to Examine Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs

***MEDIA ADVISORY***Subcommittee to Examine Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), will hold a hearing entitled “Barriers to Lower Health Care Costs for Workers and Employers.” The hearing will take place in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Independent reports continue to highlight the rising cost of health care. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed the average annual premium for a family health care plan increased by 9 percent in 2011 and now exceeds $15,000. Additionally, a survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers estimates employer health care costs will rise by 8.5 percent this year. The 2010 health care law failed to lower costs and continues to undermine employers’ and workers’ ability to access affordable health care options. For example, the law restricted the use of health savings accounts and limited the ability to contribute to a flexible spending account. Furthermore, a recent regulatory bulletin issued by the Obama administration may actually discourage employers from offering these kinds of consumer-directed health plans. Thursday's hearing will provide committee members an opportunity to examine federal policies that make it more difficult for workers and employers to control health care costs. To learn more about Thursday’s hearing, visit http://edworkforce.house.gov/hearings.

# # # WITNESS LIST Mr. Bill Streitberger Vice President of Human Resources Red Robin International Greenwood Village, CO Mr. Ed Fensholt Senior Vice President and Director of Compliance Services Lockton Benefit Group Kansas City, MO Mr. Roy Ramthun President HSA Consulting Services Washington, D.C. Jody Hall Owner Cupcake Royale and Verite Coffee Seattle, WA