Congressman Mike Conaway - 11th District of Texas

Health Care

Health Care

Reforming our health care system is one of the most important tasks we face as a nation.

Spending on health care continues to soar and is growing at faster rate than our economy. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), over the past 30 years, total national spending on health care has more than doubled as a share of gross domestic product (GDP). That share will double again by 2035. Spending for Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will total $634 billion and account for about 23% of federal outlays in 2007. We must work across bipartisan lines to reform our entitlement programs and reduce costs while maintaining quality care.

First, we must address the 45 million Americans who do not have health insurance. Many of these individuals do not purchase insurance because the cost is so high. The uninsured are more likely to ignore primary and preventative health care, which often leads to more serious health conditions. Unlike many other countries, American hospitals treat all those who walk through their doors, regardless of whether or not they have insurance. Unfortunately, many of the uninsured fail to seek treatment until their health conditions become serious, and do so by visiting hospital emergency rooms. Costs for those treated in emergency rooms are particularly alarming. The American taxpayer is faced with the burden of paying for these costs.

Leveling the playing field for those who purchase their insurance individually, rather than through their employer; may make health insurance more affordable. Currently, health insurance in the United States is primarily offered to individuals through their employers, where they are not taxed on the value of the policy. In contrast, individuals who buy their own insurance, pay for it with after-tax dollars. Providing tax breaks and considering incentives for individuals to purchase health insurance may help insure more Americans. Other options to increase access to health care include Association Health Plans (AHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). AHPs will encourage coverage by increasing small businesses’ bargaining power with health care providers. HSAs allow for individuals to take responsibility for their health care choices and encourage savings for future health expenses.

Congress can further help bring down health care costs and protect our nation’s doctors through medical liability reform. Our unregulated medical tort system has caused soaring medical professional liability insurance costs causing doctors to abandon patients and practices. This is particularly true in high-risk specialties such as emergency medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. Efforts to stop frivolous lawsuits and other waste, fraud and abuse in our health care system are needed so that our doctors stay in business and provide necessary care.

Price transparency is also needed and will encourage consumers to become more cognizant of the cost of services. Use of new technology, such as electronic medical records, will assist health care professionals in more effectively sharing information, providing better patient care and reducing overall costs.

It is my hope that Congress will take the time to thoughtfully consider how we will address our current health care crisis. I support quality, affordable health care that focuses on patients and allows for choices, rather than national, government-run health care. Working to insure more Americans will allow for a more economically secure country. We must further focus on preventative health care and adopting healthy behaviors, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, and avoiding using harmful products, such as drugs and alcohol.

Related Documents:

Press Release - Conaway Announces $125,000 Grant for Concho Valley Drug Free Community Coalition Efforts 9.3.2008

Conaway Chronicle - The Conaway Chronicle 6.9.2008

Press Release - Conaway Responds to President Bush's State of the Union Address 1.28.2008

Press Release - Conaway Announces Grant for Cross Timbers Health Clinic in De Leon 11.8.2007

Press Release - SCHIP Round 2: More Veto Bait 10.25.2007


More Documents...

Related Files:

Conaway Chronicle

Healthcare