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It was announced earlier this week that average health care premiums would increase by 21.4% for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia for the 2017 health insurance exchange. The company had originally requested an average premium increase of 15.1%, but increased the request after insurance companies struggling under Obamacare pulled out from the exchanges in Georgia and several other states.
Increases in Georgia come as state insurance officers across the nation feel pressure to approve large Obamacare premium increases to ensure insurance providers hemorrhaging money don't drop out from the marketplace. This is just more proof that Obamacare is a massive failure and it must go.
I refuse to sit idly as this disastrous law destroys the health care system I worked in for more than thirty years. That is why my colleagues and I created A Better Way for Health Care Reform. Our plan eliminates Obamacare and instills a health care system that returns America's health care system back to a market based approach to increase choices and lower costs. Under our plan, you can actually keep your health care if you like it.
You don't have to just take our word for it. The non-partisan Center for Health and the Economy (H&E) recently released an analysis confirming that our plan will lower premiums, increase access to doctors and providers, and allow for greater medical productivity.
Specifically, H&E found that our plan will result in 1 million more individuals having health insurance in 2018, a sizable decrease in premiums ranging from 10% to 35%, and an increase in access to providers by 4%. Additionally, H&E found our plan will reduce the federal deficit by $481 billion between 2017 and 2026.
We must get rid of Obamacare and we've got the plan to do it. To read more from H&E's analysis, click here.
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| From our nation's Capitol LXXX |
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Monday, August 23, 2016: This week starts with a meeting with local members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for a roundtable discussion for me to hear of their concerns. Representing over 325,000 business owners, NFIB is America’s leading small business association. Small businesses are under attack in America with the Obama Administration attempting to pass rules and regulations that will be detrimental to their survival. Afterwards, I head to the Exchange Club of Savannah where I am the keynote speaker and bring them up to date on the news from Washington and then enjoy a question and answer session. Chartered on May 4, 1926, this great organization continues today with a great group of men and women who are some of Savannah’s finest citizens.
Congressman Carter Participates in the NFIB Roundtable |
My final visit of the day is to Benedictine Military School (BC) where I am met by Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz and Principal Dennis Daly. Founded in 1902, BC has been an integral part of the Savannah community for many years and is in the process of a major renovation and construction project that will meet the needs of students for years to come. As I visit classrooms and interact with students I can sense the pride that the students have in their school. Having attended public schools in Savannah myself, I am also aware of the great sports tradition the school boasts and enjoy visiting the facilities on campus.
Tuesday, August 24, 2016: I’m on the road to Macon this morning to attend the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Congressional Lunch where I take part in the program and we hear from a number of great speakers including my friend, Senator Johnny Isakson. Sen. Isakson is one of the sharpest minds in Congress and gives an update on current activity in Washington that reminds everyone in attendance why we are fortunate to have him representing us. We also hear from political analysts Charlie Cook and Stu Rothenberg as they give us their insights on aspects of the 2016 primary and general election as well as the upcoming presidential election. Afterwards, I visit the Mercer School of Medicine where the new Dean, Dr. Jean Sumner, takes me on a tour of their facilities and brings me up to date on the business of the school.
Congressman Carter at the Mercer School of Medicine |
Before being named Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Sumner was in private practice in Wrightsville and she and I worked closely together on rural health issues when I served in the Georgia State Senate. Dr. Sumner and Mercer Medical School are very concerned with rural health care in South Georgia and are concentrating their efforts on attracting students from rural areas in South Georgia to their school by offering scholarships to those students willing to return to their home areas after they graduate.
Wednesday, August 25, 2016: I’m in Atlanta today and I start with a tour of Cox Communications Corporate headquarters where I learn more about their vast business interests including TV, cable, Internet services, media and automobile trading. Cox Communications is one of Georgia’s biggest and best companies and is a rarity in that a company this size is still privately owned. Next, I have a meeting with my good friend, Truitt Eavenson, who works with Georgia Power to catch up on industry concerns before heading to Equifax where I meet with CEO Rick Smith and General Counsel J. Kelly to discuss issues of relevance to their company. Our final stop of the day is to Georgia Tech where I visit the new Engineered Biosystems Building to observe the latest work they are doing with Immuno Engineering.
Congressman Carter at Georgia Tech
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I also visit the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience where I meet with the Director, Dr. Bob Guldberg, along with Georgia Tech President Bud Peterson. Throughout my visit to this world famous research university, I find myself describing all I see as “cutting edge.”
Thursday, August 25, 2016: On Monday I was in Savannah, on Tuesday I was in Macon, on Wednesday I was in Atlanta and today I’m in Waycross to continue my trek around the state. The Waycross/Ware County Development Authority, chaired by my good friend Dr. William Clark, is meeting today and afterwards they lead me on a tour of their industrial park to visit some of the businesses located here. We begin with a visit to Carolina Skiff, maker of one of the most durable and versatile boats currently on the market. As I am led through the plant by CEO Joe Kirkland, I see first-hand the work that these master craftsman perform and the pride that they take in their work. With the help of the Development Authority, Carolina Skiff has plans to build a new 100,000 square foot facility in order to expand their business.
Congressman Carter at Carolina Skiff |
Our next stop is to the Simmons mattress factory where all Simmons sleepwear in South Georgia and Florida are made. While the facility and equipment are certainly impressive, it is obvious that the dedicated and enthusiastic workers at this plant are what makes the difference.
Saturday, August 27, 2016: Today I am in Darien and McIntosh County to participate in the GA HWY 99 rededication and Vietnam Pinning Ceremony. Thanks to the efforts of State Rep. Jeff Jones (R), a bill was passed last legislative session renaming GA HWY 99 from Eulonia to Darien in McIntosh County Veterans Memorial Highway and we hold the official dedication this morning. I am also honored to participate in the pinning ceremony for 15 Vietnam Veterans who are recognized this morning for their service. Next, I head to the Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch in Brunswick, sponsored by Coldwell Banker, where I am privileged to greet and thank local law enforcement and first responders for their service to our community. Afterwards, I head to Sapelo Island for a tour of the University of Georgia Marine Institute and to meet with partners from Georgia DNR and Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR).
Congressman Carter at the Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony |
Sapelo Island is another example of Georgia’s beautiful barrier islands and the work being done here is indicative of our states' commitment to protecting our environment. Later that evening, I attend the Coastal Conservation Association Sapelo Chapter Annual Banquet where I am honored to be recognized for my work on behalf of recreational anglers and conservationists in Georgia. |
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