Congressman
Chris Carney
Senator
Bob Casey
Vice-President
Joe Biden
President
Barack Obama
Auditor General
Jack Wagner
Governor
Ed Rendell
Our Elected
Democratic
Leaders
With the debate about healthcare heating up, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss some of the myths and facts surrounding the issue. I also wanted to speak directly to you about my thoughts on the current proposals and ask for your input as the process and proposals develop.
Right now, the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats agree that some type of healthcare reform is necessary. However, not all "reform" proposals are created equal. From my perspective, there are a few simple things that any true reform package must include:
1) The plan must protect the individual's right to keep their own insurance and their own doctor if that is what they choose.
2) The plan must focus on the health of our citizens first and be affordable for middle-class families.
3) The plan must eliminate insurance discrimination against people with so-called "pre-existing conditions."
4) The plan must be portable so that people do not lose their coverage when they change or lose their job.
5) The plan must not raise our federal deficit and must benefit small businesses that drive our economy.
6) The plan must not be paid for by taxing our hard-working middle class families or our small business.
7) The plan must not be rushed through the process simply to comply with an artificial timeline.
This is a critical issue not just for our national health but also for our economy. We should proceed with deliberate intent but not rush at the expense of getting the best reform. I understand the desire to address the problem quickly but we need to make certain that the plan actually achieves our goals, no matter how long it takes.
That is why I have included below a "MYTH vs. FACTS" section so that we can all better understand where the debate currently rests. However, please understand that the debate is ongoing, the bill is not yet completely written, and your input can play a critical role in the process. So, please review the material below and do not hesitate to share your opinions with us as we continue to work through this tough issue.
MYTH: Americans would be forced onto a government-run health plan.
FACTS: Under the proposed bill,
No one can ever be forced onto a government-run health plan.
Everyone will have the option of keeping their current doctor and insurance plan if that is what they choose.
MYTH: Millions of Americans would lose the employer-provided health care they have now.
FACTS: Under the proposed bill,
Reform and cost cutting measures would make it easier for employers to provide healthcare.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that employer-provided coverage would increase.
MYTH: The bill makes cuts in Medicare that are damaging to seniors and takes away choices for millions of seniors.
FACTS: Under the proposed bill,
Hospitals, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies are required to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse that drive up the cost of Medicare for everyone. The plan does not make cuts that hurt seniors or do anything to take away seniors' choices.
On the contrary, the bill includes several key provisions that improve Medicare benefits for seniors, including the following:
Phases in completely filling in the "donut hole" in the Medicare prescription drug benefit (where drug costs are not reimbursed at certain levels), potentially savings seniors thousands of dollars a year.
Eliminates co-payments and deductibles for preventive services under Medicare.
Limits cost-sharing requirements in Medicare Advantage plans to the amount charged for the same services in traditional Medicare coverage.
Healthcare A Hot Topic