Congressman Dave Reichert

Washington, D.C., Jul 17, 2009 - Just days after Fourth of July events celebrate Americans’ freedom, it is ironic that Congress will begin consideration of a massive health care proposal that threatens the freedom to choose and keep the health care we want and need.

Health care is intensely personal, and touches every American. Health care is not about bureaucratic “systems” and “payment flows” and complicated regulations in government jargon.  Health care is about people. Quality health care is the foundation for our children to grow and prosper, just as it is the basis for seniors to enjoy long, comfortable retirements.

We can all agree that our health care system must be transformed to improve the quality of care Americans can receive. But it is in the details of how we achieve this transformation that differences emerge. 

A $1 trillion proposal that puts government bureaucrats between doctors and patients, raises health care costs for families, and reduces choices is not the answer to ensure that our health care system remains focused on people. Yes, this cost estimate is staggering, compounded by the fact that the section of the bill explaining how $1 trillion worth of changes will be paid for reads, "to be provided." Translation: a government shopping spree using the same blank check that authorized the bailouts.

Beyond cost, this proposal would allow the government to intervene in your relationship with your doctor.  A government-run “public plan” would let the government decide what treatment you need based on a “comparative effectiveness” panel’s decisions, without regard for what your doctor thinks is the most effective treatment for you.  There is nothing in the proposal to prevent an unknown government bureaucrat from delaying or denying treatment. 

Even more concerning, this proposal would mandate that you either buy health coverage or pay a penalty. It is a discouraging example of prioritizing government systems ahead of real people.

To transform our health care system in a way that puts people first, Congress must focus on affordability, access, and choice.  No family should ever have to choose between putting food on the table or taking a child to the doctor, let alone pay a penalty because they simply can’t afford care. We can make health care more affordable through new tax incentives, increasing support for early retirees, low-income families, and those without coverage, and by reforming health care to promote wellness and prevention. One reason I have championed investments in medical research is to find better treatments and cures to the diseases and conditions that affect millions of Americans, which can reduce costs of care while improving quality.

All Americans deserve access to quality, affordable health care no matter where they work or live, and giving them greater access to health care options will help Americans make choices better suited to their health needs and at less cost to them.

Preserving Americans’ ability to choose their health care is essential. We should have the freedom to choose whether we want to keep the health plans we currently have or pick from a range of plans without paying taxes on them, just as we do with auto insurance. Similarly, patients must maintain the freedom to seek out treatments and consult with doctors to make their own choices about the care they feel is appropriate.

Congress needs to work together to transform our health care system in a way that helps Americans lead longer, healthier lives without diminishing the health care that we already have. We cannot accept a solution that could bankrupt this country while neglecting the unique needs of individuals, families, and seniors. I will continue to fight against a government-run public plan that could force millions of Americans to lose their health coverage, and instead advance common-sense solutions to transform health care in a way that ensures the American people their freedoms, and their health come before expensive, bureaucratic proposals.

Congressman Dave Reichert represents Washington’s Eighth Congressional District.

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LINK: http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/07/20/newscolumn3.html