WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor outlining the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act-historic Republican legislation to lower health care costs and give money directly to families to control their own care. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), chair of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, in unveiling this legislation. This Republican bill is an alternative to Democrats' plan, which sends taxpayer funds to giant insurance companies and leaves families with thousands of dollars in health care costs that they cannot afford.

"Why not, instead of sending 100% of the money to the insurance company, of which they take 20% for profit and overhead, we send 100% to the patient, and then she can spend it on the services that she knows she needs," said Dr. Cassidy.

"I want an American plan. A plan that works for our fellow Americans, so that they can afford the insurance that this Republican absolutely wants them to have," continued Dr. Cassidy.

Background

In December, Cassidy called on Congress to address rising health care costs for families.

In November, Cassidy urged Congress to address rising health care costs at a Senate Finance Committee hearing. He also led a hearing in the HELP Committee discussing solutions to make health care affordable.

Cassidy has also continuously called for Congress to work together on solutions to lower the cost of health insurance for families in speeches on the Senate floor.

Click here to watch Cassidy's full speech.

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