Talking Health Care, Jobs, and the Economy at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce to discuss health care and its impact on jobs and the economy. I heard from members of the community about the real-world consequences of Obamacare and how businesses continue to struggle navigating the new regulations.

Thankfully, the Chamber has a proven track record of helping our businesses find solutions. In 2006, they were the first in Texas to attempt a community-based private health care system. And 8 years later, they insure 10,000 in West Texas – and 20% of those individuals had no medical coverage before this plan. They’ve given small businesses the buying power of large corporations, and they’ve saved Lubbock area businesses tens of millions of dollars along the way.

In the wake of all the rising costs, lost coverage, overregulation, and deceit of Obamacare, I applaud this community initiative that got health care reform right. They found an innovative and local market-based solution to our nation’s health care problem. And their plan has actually produced lower health costs, better coverage, and more options. I’m proud of the Chamber’s achievement. It gives me hope for the future to see the large success of private-sector community-based health reform.