Statement on Unveiling of Health Care Reform Outline
June 9, 2009
The draft proposal will be the core of comprehensive health care reform legislation that will be debated by the House of Representatives later this year.
“We have the finest health care system in the world, but fewer and fewer people can afford it. Too many are being forced to turn to already overcrowded emergency rooms for basic health care needs. Small businesses are being forced to offer fewer benefits to their employees because of skyrocketing insurance costs. Families shouldn’t have to choose between their mortgage or their health. The bottom line is that our health care system is sick and in desperate need of a second opinion.
“The draft outlined today put us on the path to reform – and I support it.
“I believe that any comprehensive reform legislation must guarantee Americans the freedom to choose the quality and affordable health care that is best for them and their families – including the option to keep their current plans and doctors. It must stop the insurance industry’s misguided practice of discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions and age. It should also focus on prevention, not just treatment, to keep people healthier and reduce costs. Equally important, we must make sure that the promise of health care is available in all our communities. That’s why I’m pleased this proposal includes my suggestion to encourage new doctors to become primary care physicians in underserved communities.”
To read the full draft please click here or visit https://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/tri.pdf
“We have the finest health care system in the world, but fewer and fewer people can afford it. Too many are being forced to turn to already overcrowded emergency rooms for basic health care needs. Small businesses are being forced to offer fewer benefits to their employees because of skyrocketing insurance costs. Families shouldn’t have to choose between their mortgage or their health. The bottom line is that our health care system is sick and in desperate need of a second opinion.
“The draft outlined today put us on the path to reform – and I support it.
“I believe that any comprehensive reform legislation must guarantee Americans the freedom to choose the quality and affordable health care that is best for them and their families – including the option to keep their current plans and doctors. It must stop the insurance industry’s misguided practice of discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions and age. It should also focus on prevention, not just treatment, to keep people healthier and reduce costs. Equally important, we must make sure that the promise of health care is available in all our communities. That’s why I’m pleased this proposal includes my suggestion to encourage new doctors to become primary care physicians in underserved communities.”
To read the full draft please click here or visit https://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/tri.pdf
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Issues:Health Care