High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, at 10:15 a.m., the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), will hold a hearing titled: “ERISA’s 50th Anniversary: the Path to Higher Quality, Lower Cost Health Care.”

Chairman Good emphasized the significance of employer-sponsored insurance under ERISA, stating, “Employer-sponsored insurance—governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)—is the core of America’s health care system. Employers have been at the forefront of creating innovative, market-driven approaches to health benefits, so workers can access high-quality care at lower costs.”

Looking ahead to the future, Chairman Good highlighted the Committee's focus on building upon ERISA's foundation and protecting Americans from single-payer insurance. He explained, “After 50 years of providing exceptional benefits, the Committee will examine options to ensure employers can continue to offer uniform benefits across state lines, hold service providers accountable when they manage workers’ premium dollars and health care data, break down anticompetitive practices, and expand access to telehealth opportunities.”

The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, will feature key witnesses including Mr. Russell DuBose, Vice President of Human Resources at Phifer Inc.; Ms. Mairin Mancino, Senior Advisor, Policy at the Peterson Center on Healthcare; Ms. Karen L. Handorf, Senior Counsel at Berger Montague; and Mr. Scott Behrens, Senior Vice President, Director of Government Relations at Lockton Companies.

The event will take place at 2175 Rayburn House Office Building and will be open to the press, with live-streaming available on the Committee’s YouTube page.