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Congresswoman Kay Granger (R, TX-12) and Congressman Albert Wynn (D, MD-4) today announced the introduction of the Securing Access, Value, and Equality (SAVE) in Health Care Act. Representatives Granger and Wynn were joined by leaders of a broad-based coalition of health professionals, grass roots interest groups, and business leaders who support the legislation that is aimed to provide health insurance coverage for the over 39 million uninsured Americans.

"With the rising cost of care, 39 million Americans cannot afford coverage and are often forced to roll the dice with their health on the line," said Congresswoman Granger. "The SAVE Health Care Act provides access to coverage for the uninsured by eliminating the inequality in the tax code. The bill will also give lower income workers, who currently have insurance, the flexibility, portability, and accountability they deserve."

The SAVE Health Care Act will provide each individual with a pre-payable, fully refundable tax credit toward the purchase of health insurance.

Similar to the proposal made by President Bush, the credit would provide $1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for married couples, and $500 per dependent up to $3,000 per family. The credit goes beyond the President's proposal by providing fifty percent of any additional premiums to assist those with higher costs. The legislation also expands eligibility requirements to allow all low and moderate income earners to have access to coverage.