 
May 12, 2005
The Honorable John Shadegg Dear Rep. Shadegg: The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons was founded in 1943 to preserve private medicine. We represent thousands of physicians in all specialties nationwide, and the millions of patients that they serve. The Health Care Choice Act of 2005 has earned the endorsement of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) because it addresses many of the problems created by state over-regulation of health insurance policies. Guaranteed issue, community rating and increased state-mandated benefits have had chilling effects on the individual and small group markets in many states. The AAPS is convinced that these politically motivated regulations have served the market poorly by needlessly increasing the cost of health insurance premiums. The AAPS remains concerned, however, that there is potential for federal over-regulation replacing state over-regulation of health insurance. We are confident, nonetheless, that inter-state regulatory competition created and promoted by the Health Care Choice Act will provide a free and open market for affordable health insurance for most Americans. Consumer directed health care is the only means left to restore the critically important patient-physician relationship. The Health Care Choice Act of 2005 will provide a new element of consumerism now lacking in American health insurance coverage. In an effort to maintain quality and access, the Health Care Choice Act will provide a more affordable, economical and sensible channel for the purchase of health coverage tailored to the medical needs of individuals, and not the political needs of lawmakers and regulators. The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons strongly supports the enactment of the Health Care Choice Act of 2005. Sincerely,
Jane Orient, M.D.
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