As we implement the Affordable Care Act, we continue to work with state and federal policymakers to improve aspects of the law that will increase costs. One concern is the health insurance tax, which is scheduled to begin in 2014 and estimated to add hundreds of dollars annually to premiums.
This tax contradicts efforts to control the soaring costs and doesn't improve patient health. It will burden middle-class families, hitting individuals, small business owners, and the elderly the hardest.
This tax will cost New Yorkers an extra $13 billion in addition to the nearly $4.8 billion in existing state taxes on health insurance. Families in New York with insurance through a small employer health plan will pay more than $9,000 over 10 years, and greater than $7,600 if they are receiving insurance through a large employer.
The bottom line is that this tax will make health insurance less affordable. Congress should work to repeal this tax and focus on finding ways to make it more affordable and accessible.
DON INGALLS
Vice president,
state and federal relations,
BlueShield of Northeastern New York;
chairman, New York Health Plan Association