Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told a property-casualty insurance trade group in Washington, D.C., Wednesday (April 29) that he opposes much of the health care reform being proposed by Democrats and President Barack Obama.

Kevin McCarthy

“They want to create a health care system with the compassion of the IRS, the efficiency of the post office,” McCarthy said, speaking at the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the Big I Legislative Conference and Convention.

McCarthy, chief deputy Republican Whip and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees insurance, said the Democrats will try to pass health care legislation in September, but noted that he thinks the real decisions will be made in the next few months. He told agents that they came to Washington at a good time to stress their views to their members of Congress.

A handful of health care reform proposals from Democrats have been discussed, which each seeking to make it easier for people who cannot afford or obtain health insurance to obtain coverage. Leading Democrats have said they plan to have a formal proposal by September, with debate leading to a vote later this year. About 45.5 million people lack health care insurance in the U.S., according to government estimates.

Although the Big I is a property-casualty group, Big I President and CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt said McCarthy’s comments were valuable to the hundreds of Big I Young Agents, those new to the industry and those under 40 years old, and contributors to the Big I InsurPac, the largest property-casualty insurance political action committee.

“These two forces are among the most influential in the industry,” Rusbuldt said in a statement, “and Rep. McCarthy’s presentation touched on many important points that impact them directly such as taxes, small business and health care reform. We look forward to continuing our efforts to build involvement in and activism for legislative issues vital to the future of our industry.”

McCarthy also discussed taxes, the current state of the economy, health care reform and the state of the Republican Party.

“Rep. McCarthy’s insightful presentation demonstrated his understanding and proven record on issues important to independent insurance agents and brokers,” says Charles E. Symington Jr., Big I senior vice president for government affairs, in a statement.