Visit my website
Congress has been given a mission. Last November, the American people told us with their votes to pass comprehensive health care reform – and we need legislation that covers all Americans, while lowering the cost of health insurance; this is our responsibility!
Our current health care "system" is a burden to our pocketbooks. Between 2001 and 2007, in my home state of Pennsylvania, the cost of health insurance premiums has increased by 86%, while income has only gone up by 13% (source). Around the country, a lack of local competition contributes to this problem, with the largest health insurer holding 43% of the market on average (source). Right now, there is no way to keep private health insurers honest with fair competition – in Pennsylvania, 60% of private health plans are held by two companies.
We have to bring health care costs down, while covering all Americans. To do this, all Americans need access to preventive care, and all health insurance providers need competition. The best way to accomplish this goal is through a strong "public health insurance option." A public health insurance option is a choice – a choice that is subsidized only by the co-pays and premiums of those who choose to join it – just like a private health care plan. But it is less expensive – and forces private insurance companies to lower costs because of this competition – by not having to pay CEOs $20 million salaries, or $50 million severance pay, for example.
My colleagues in the House of Representatives have been at work to complete this mission. All three House committees overseeing the process have passed health care legislation with a public insurance option. For my part, I worked my way onto a vital Health subcommittee and had the opportunity to mark up the health care reform bill earlier this year. I voted to pass the bill out of the Education and Labor Committee and to kill a number of amendments that would have eliminated the public option and insurance reforms that protect individuals against the worst practices of health insurers. Additionally, I proposed a number of amendments to strengthen the bill, specifically maintaining state mental parity laws and improving the involvement of patient representatives in a number of new processes. Upon returning to my District, I held the first "town hall" on health care during the Congressional recess. We are determined, we are close, and we must accomplish our mission soon.
Now is a time for leadership – particularly in the Senate, where for too long needed legislation has gone nowhere. Not this time. Health Care coverage is a necessity for Americans – Health Care reform is a requirement for America, and its economy. Reform means bending the steep curve of Health Care costs – and fair competition for the insurance companies by the public health care option does that!
I therefore call on the Senate, but particularly Senator Harry Reid, for leadership now, when it is needed most for America. After all, Senator Reid is the Majority Leader – and right now, we need leadership, not political calculation. This is the time for principle to triumph over politics – and to be concerned about the needs of Americans, not our own jobs.
Standing for principle does have an effect. This has already happened because of our campaign. My opponent in the Pennsylvania Senate primary first opposed a public option, but then came out in support of one when he had to face me.
Therefore, it is one thing to say you are in favor of a public option – and it is another thing to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. It takes leadership, and it is time for the Senate to complete this mission!
Visit my website
Contribute on Act Blue
Join me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter