Fiorina Calls for Repeal of Reform Law, More Industry Competition
On Thursday, Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina said that if elected, she would work to repeal the federal health reform law and push for a different health care model that would foster greater competition among insurers and drugmakers, the AP/San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, discussed her health care views during a meeting of the California Association of Health Underwriters.
Criticism of Reform Law
According to Fiorina, the reform law is flawed because it will add 16 million uninsured residents to Medicaid, which she said is not equipped to accommodate them.
Fiorina also said she opposes government involvement in determining medical guidelines.
Fiorina's Alternative Model
Although Fiorina did not specify how uninsured residents should obtain health coverage, she said she supports a system that would allow:
- Employees to "own" their health plans;
- Workers to retain their coverage when they leave an employer or lose their job;
- Both employees and employers to qualify for the same tax breaks for the cost of health insurance; and
- Insurers to compete for consumers.
Boxer's Views
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who is running against Fiorina, said that some elements of the health reform law could be improved. However, Boxer cautioned against a full repeal of the overhaul.
Rose Kapolczynski, Boxer's campaign manager, said Fiorina's plan to repeal the reform law would lead to higher prescription drug costs and coverage denials for people with pre-existing medical conditions (Hoag, AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, 10/21).
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