WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By U.S.Congresswoman Nita Lowey, 18th Congressional District. August 14, 2009: In recent months, over 13,000 residents in New York’s 18th Congressional district have contacted my office, participated in telephone town halls, or shared thoughts via my website regarding health care reform. I hope that through continued public dialogue on this incredibly sensitive issue in the coming weeks, all Americans will gain confidence that reform will improve the health, well-being, and financial security of families, businesses, and our economy.
Supporters and opponents of the House proposal are united in one notable way – concern about the serious impact of Congress’ action on cost, quality, and choice in our health care system.
Consider for a moment the price we are already paying for health care that is failing millions of Americans.
· Personal premiums doubled since 2000, consuming 17% of median family incomes.
· Care for 47 million uninsured greatly increases costs for taxpayers and the insured.
· In 2007, 60% of U.S. bankruptcies resulted from medical costs.
Without reform, over the next 10 years:
· the U.S. is expected to spend nearly $33 trillion on health care;
· a family health insurance plan will cost an estimated $24,000 per year, nearly half of household income;
· The number of uninsured will swell to 66 million, 11 million of whom will lose employer-sponsored health care; and
· Insurance companies will continue to deny coverage or charge higher premiums for those who need catastrophic care, have pre-existing conditions or are simply more likely to need health care based on gender or age.
The centerpiece of the House health reform proposal is an insurance Exchange in which uninsured individuals -- and ultimately businesses – could purchase insurance from private insurers or a public plan. These plans are designed to provide competitive rates, benefits similar to those of Members of Congress and federal employees, and protections from denials of coverage or care when patients need it most. Low-income individuals and small businesses would receive tax credits or subsidies to buy into the Exchange.
In Westchester and Rockland Counties, 22,100 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 8,800 seniors would avoid high out-of-pocket drug costs in the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole;’ 460 families could escape health care-related bankruptcies; 53,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to care; and health care providers would be paid fairly for the services they deliver.
Unfortunately these and other benefits in this bill have been overshadowed by escalating rhetoric in this debate, particularly regarding misconceptions about the proposal.
· For example, employers and those with insurance will not be forced to change plans but could find better, more affordable plans over time through the Exchange.
· Medicare benefits would remain unchanged, except for elimination of the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole.’
· Older Americans will not be required to receive counseling about end-of-life care, but Medicare would cover the service for the first time.
· Reform would actually stop “rationing” by insurance companies, giving patients and doctors control of the care patients receive and protecting patients from denials for coverage.
· Finally, the government would not “socialize” medicine. In fact, private insurance would be offered through the Exchange to give consumers more affordable choices that include coverage standards to protect patients.
An open and respectful dialogue is essential for Americans to learn about health care proposals and for my office to address your concerns. Until Congress votes in September, I will continue this discussion through meetings with constituents; roundtables with various groups like seniors, doctors, businesses, and disability advocates; telephone town halls; and updated information and polls on my website so that you can voice your opinion and get the facts on reform.
The status quo is simply unacceptable for our economy and for the financial security of families and businesses held hostage by insurance companies. I look forward to working constructively with residents of the 18th district and my colleagues in Congress to pass reform that contains costs, preserves choices, and improves health care for every American.
