MYTH vs. FACT
MYTH: The bill will lead to employers discontinuing health care coverage in favor of government coverage.
FACT: Based on an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 3962 will actually increase the number of people who get health insurance coverage through an employer compared with current law.
MYTH: The bill will create an undue burden for small businesses.
FACT: According to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, 96 percent of small businesses will pay no additional fees under the bill. In fact, small businesses will benefit from tax credits to empower them to provide health insurance for their employees. Small businesses are now paying 18 percent more than big businesses for the same policy; we will stop this unfair practice.
MYTH: The bill will exempt members of Congress
FACT: Members of Congress’ health care plans will be subject to the same rules as all other employer-sponsored plans.
MYTH: The bill will cover illegal immigrants, leaving Americans to pay for it.
FACT: Section 347 of H.R. 3962 specifically prohibits federal funds from being spent to cover illegal immigrants.
MYTH: The bill will lead to government-sponsored euthanasia.
FACT: The bill provides an option for individuals to discuss life-extending measures under various scenarios and for Medicare to cover the cost. It is entirely the individual’s choice; it does not require anyone to use the benefit and it does not penalize those who don’t. Patients and their families would consult with health professionals, not government officials, if they choose to use the benefit.
MYTH: The bill will lead to government-sponsored abortions.
FACT: An amendment was added in the Energy and Commerce Committee that explicitly states no public money can be used to fund abortions.
MYTH: The bill will cause people to lose their doctors and their plans against their will
FACT: The bill allows people to keep their doctor and their plan if they wish, while also creating more choices of insurance plans.
MORE FACTS:
- H.R. 3962 will end the practice of denying insurance because of pre-existing conditions;
- H.R. 3962 will not allow termination of insurance if you become seriously ill;
- H.R. 3962 will preclude exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays;
- H.R. 3962 will end annual or lifetime caps on coverage; and
- H.R. 3962 will provide guaranteed oral, hearing and vision care for kids.
