WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released three letters seeking information regarding cooperative business arrangements, particularly in the health care arena. The letters were sent to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the National Cooperative Business Association, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

“I believe the inclusion of a strong public plan option in health reform legislation is a must – it is the only proven way to guarantee that all consumers have affordable, meaningful, and accountable options available in the health insurance marketplace,” said Senator Rockefeller, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care. “There are real concerns about the potential impact of health care co-ops on consumers, and we cannot afford to hang our hat on any unproven, unregulated, or unreliable model for health insurance coverage.  At a minimum, we need to know more of the facts.  And I've asked these outside experts to give us detailed responses on a tight turn-around so we can keep moving forward.”

 

***Please see letters below***

 

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