Newly-Launched Health Care Package Marks Progress, Carson Says
October 29, 2009
October 29, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released the following statement today after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
"Today's launch of the Affordable Health Care for America Act takes us another step closer to passing a health reform package. Speaker Pelosi and the rest of the House leadership deserve enormous credit. They pulled together ideas from all sides—including those of House Republicans—to form a comprehensive bill aimed at providing greater access to health care across the nation, controlling skyrocketing costs and making our communities healthier.
"While I am disappointed the bill does not currently include the more robust form of a public option—one that would set reimbursement rates along the same lines as Medicare—today marks progress nonetheless. While I believe a stronger public option would do more to inject competition into our broken system, which is largely controlled by only a few major insurers, and bring down ever-increasing costs, it's a sign the debate has shifted.
"The fact is we're debating which form of a public option should be included, not if one should be part the package. That speaks to the power of the American people, who have consistently stood up in favor of a government-run insurance option.
"Another sign of progress is the positive fiscal impact this bill would have. Not only is the bill fully paid for, it actually trims the deficit by $30 billion and reins-in wasteful costs in Medicare while strengthening benefits for seniors. We can bring down the cost of this package even further by going with the stronger version of the public option, which would save taxpayers more than $80 billion.
"Congress is closer than ever before to addressing the health care crisis pervading Indianapolis and communities across the country. Still, there is much debate and work ahead for us to ensure we're delivering the best possible plan for America. I look forward to doing my part to impact that debate on behalf of the people of the 7th District."
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