1601 N. Tucson Blvd. Suite 9
Tucson, AZ 85716-3450
Phone: (800) 635-1196

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc.
A Voice for Private Physicians Since 1943
Omnia pro aegroto

12/12/2007

Contact: Kathryn Serkes (202) 333 3855, serkes@att.net

For immediate release:

“Health Care Choice Act” Frees Health Insurance Hostages
& Decreases Uninsured

Puts Patients in Control of Insurance Without Burdening Taxpayers

Washington -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons issued the following statement from Kathryn Serkes, Director of Policy and Public Affairs in support of the “Health Care Choice Act of 2007” introduced today by Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ):

“The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons believes this is a crucial piece of health care reform.

“Right now, millions of patients are held hostage by their states’ regulations and insurance mandates that inflate premiums for coverage they don’t want or need.

“This plan puts patients back in the driver’s seat by allowing them to shop for insurance medical insurance just like they do for other products – searching across the country for the best price and fit for their needs.

“This bill would also eliminate the need for taxpayer-subsidized SCHIP coverage for many families well above the poverty level who could afford insurance if they were not held hostage by states with massive mandates and regulatory costs that drive up insurance premiums, such as New Jersey.

“This single act will increase the buying power of millions families without burdening taxpayers.

“Simply, doctors support the Health Care Choice Act of 2007 because it puts patients in charge of their medical care and choice of doctors – and that’s always better for patients.”

NOTE: The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is a national, non-partisan, professional association of physicians in all specialties, dedicated since 1943 to protection of the patient-physician relationship. A dues-supported organization, it accepts no government or corporate funding.

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