AAA comment letter on HR 3962

November 6, 2009 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable John Boehner Speaker Republican Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives H-232 U.S. Capitol Building H-204 U.S. Capitol Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Re: Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) Dear Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner: 1The American Academy of Actuaries’ Health Practice Council commends members of the House as you prepare to debate and vote on the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). We share with you the goals of reducing the numbers of uninsured, increasing the availability of affordable coverage, controlling health spending growth, and improving the quality of care. On behalf of the council, I appreciate this opportunity to provide the following comments outlining the key issues that need to be considered when evaluating whether this legislation will lead to a viable health insurance system. We have identified three key criteria for whether particular reform approaches will lead to a sustainable health care system with increased access to affordable health insurance. In particular: • For insurance markets to be viable, they must attract a broad cross section of risks; • Market competition requires a level playing field; and • For long-term sustainability, health spending growth must be reduced. Our comments that follow provide the considerations underlying each of these ...