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Health Care Reform: The Quality We Need,
The Choice and Competition We Want
An American Solution for Quality, Affordable Health Care
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June 23, 2009 |
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(Washington, DC) -- Congress, working in partnership with the White House, announced a draft of health care reform legislation that combines the quality Americans need with the choice and competition that we want. This uniquely American solution to our health care problems places patients needs first while fostering competition among insurance plans and providing choice to the consumer.
“Americans need a new plan for health care. They need access to the same kind insurance that I have as a Member of Congress, with the ability to choose from a variety of plans from a number of companies.” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). “All Americans should be able to choose the level of coverage that is right for their families, with premiums and deductibles that fit into their budgets.”
“This new method of dealing with health care will not take away current private plans. It will simply give you the freedom to choose what works best for you and your family,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If you like your doctor, keep your doctor. If you like your current plan, keep your current plan. If you don’t, or if you don’t have one, then get one that works for you.”
This proposal honors the commitments made by this Congress and President Obama to reform health care. The draft proposal:
- Lowers costs for American families by:
- Putting an end to co-pays and deductibles for preventive care
- Capping annual out-of-pocket expenses so Americans don’t end up paying too much for medical care
- Ending rate increases based on pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation
- Offering the group purchasing power of a national pool if you have to buy your own plan
- Guaranteeing affordable dental and vision care for kids
- Provides greater choices like:
- Keeping your doctor and your plan if you like them
- Participating in your choice of a high-quality public health insurance option that would compete with private companies
- Offers stability and peace of mind with:
- An end to coverage denials for a pre-existing condition like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
- The care you need with an end to lifetime limits
- The freedom to make job and life choices not based on health care coverage
- Improves the quality of health care in this country.
- Doctors—not insurance companies—will be in charge of health care decisions
- More family doctors and nurses will enter the workforce, at better payment rates, helping to guarantee your access to quality care.
Reforming health care is an important part of a strong economy—and this plan will help both the national economy and individual families. And, because we cannot leave that burden to future generations, we will make sure the new health care plan is fiscally responsible.
“The average American family already pays an extra $1,100 in premiums every year, and if the system continues on as-is these costs will continue to rise.” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If we do nothing, in a decade we’ll be spending $1 of every $5 on health care. In 30 years, it will be $1 of every $3. That is why I am fighting in Congress for a better health care system—one that costs less, covers more, and leaves no American without the security of health care.”
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