Republicans claim that their proposals will lower the cost of health insurance for individuals and businesses.

In fact, Republican proposals do not slow the trend of escalating health insurance premiums. Instead, Republican proposals shift more out-of-pocket costs to consumers by:

• promoting high-deductible health plans,
• requiring higher copayments and other out-of-pocket costs, and
• limiting the services that are covered.

Republicans claim that their proposals would put downward pressure on premium increases, but in fact, under their proposals, consumers would actually pay more out of pocket if they go to the doctor or the hospital. Further, Republican proposals will increase premiums for the very people who most need coverage—those who are sicker and poorer.

The three specific Republican proposals that are described next—Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Interstate Health Insurance, and Association Health Plans—exemplify how Republican proposals shift health care costs to consumers.

Next: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

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