More Blah, Blah, Blah? No Way!

I appreciate your sharing with me your thoughts regarding health care reform.

Currently, there are 46 million Americans without health insurance and health care costs are spiraling out of control. In this climate, it is clear that something must be done to reform the health care status quo.

For over two years, Congress has been laying the groundwork for health care reform. Since February 2007, House committees have held 79 bipartisan hearings to thoroughly explore this complex issue. On July 14, 2009, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the House of Representatives introduced America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), comprehensive health care reform legislation. As the weeks progress, a number of additional hearings and markups will be held by the committees of jurisdiction. You can view more information at these links:

• House Education and Labor Committee: http://edlabor.house.gov/blog/2009/07/americas-affordable-health-choices-act.shtml
• House Energy and Commerce Committee: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1706:house-democrats-introduce-bill-to-provide-quality-affordable-health-care-for-all-americans&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=55
• House Ways and Means Committee: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/MoreInfo.asp?section=52

It is important to note that H.R. 3200 will increase choice among an array of private and public insurance options. Most importantly, if you like the insurance that you have, you can keep it. Opponents of health care reform are spreading a number of myths, among them that health reform means fewer choices and that individuals will be forced out of their current plans. Consistent with President Obama’s goals, the legislation builds on what works in the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken with it. The legislation ensures that individuals will not have to worry about being denied insurance based on a pre-existing condition, or being without coverage if their employers drops coverage, if they lose their job, or if they change employers.

H.R. 3200 is paid for by achieving significant efficiencies and savings in Medicare and Medicaid and through a surcharge on the wealthiest 1.2 percent of Americans. The legislation ensures that middle-class Americans will see no tax increases. All families with adjusted gross incomes below $350,000 and all individuals with adjusted gross incomes below $280,000 will not see their taxes go up.

There will continue to be much discussion and debate as the 111th Congress works to build consensus on this critical issue. I am hopeful that opponents of health care reform will offer input on this issue as opposed to circulating myths.

With best wishes.

Sincerely,



James L. Oberstar, M.C.

JLO/wed