January 16, 2013

 Contact: Larry McNeely
                  lmcneely@nchc.org
                  202-638-7151, ext. 109

Statement by John Rother, President and CEO of the National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) regarding the introduction of the Lower Cost, Better Care Act of 2013, sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Johnny Isakson, Representative Erik Paulsen and Representative Peter Welch

“This bipartisan legislation offers a solution that the millions of seniors and disabled Americans with chronic conditions require – personalized care tailored to their needs and preferences, delivered by collaborative teams of health care professionals.

The new Medicare Better Care Program, that would be established by this legislation, is a serious solution, commensurate with the challenge chronic disease poses to  Medicare’s future. And to its authors’ credit, the bill reflects a growing consensus among providers and health care experts on the need to more effectively align incentives with greater-value and focus on high-cost, high need.

NCHC looks forward to working with Congress to enact the best possible legislation. Whatever other divisions plague Congress, this is one solution that all Senators and Representatives should be able to support.”

To learn more about NCHC’s recommendations for reforming reimbursement policies and the broader health system, read our Plan for Health and Fiscal Policy.

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The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC), the oldest and most diverse group working to achieve comprehensive health system reform, is a 501(c)(3) organization representing more than 80 participating organizations, including medical societies, businesses, unions, health care providers, faith-based associations, pension and health funds, insurers and groups representing consumers, patients, women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Member organizations collectively represent – as employees, members, or congregants – over 100 million Americans.

Some members of NCHC do not, or cannot, take positions either on specific legislation, strategies or on any policies outside their respective mission areas. However, all that can, do endorse broad policy positions in support of comprehensive health system change.

Document:Press Release 1.16.14 – Lower Costs, Better Care Act