What Health Care Reform Bill Needs

Congressman Jim Matheson [jim.matheson@congressnewsletter.net]
October 29, 2009

Health care reform legislation is the dominant issue of the day. This issue affects every Utah family and business. It is the number one driver of long-term federal deficits. It affects two-thirds of our economy. When I meet with constituents, health care comes up every time.

There has been a lot of discussion of the health care issue, and there has been a lot of confusion along the way. That is not suprising because this is a very complicated issue with many moving parts.

For me, there are two fundamental objectives that must be addressed by health care reform legislation. First, reform should make sure all Americans gain access to quality, affordable health care. I strongly believe this is the right thing to do--both morally and fiscally. Second, reform must fix a broken system where costs are growing way above inflation - that's a trend we cannot sustain.

There have been five different bills approved by various committees in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Of the five, only the one produced by the Senate Finance Committee is bipartisan, expands health coverage and makes real reforms that will actually control the excessive growth in costs in our nation's health care system. I don't agree with every aspect of that bill, but I believe it's a positive sign that a bill can meet my two fundamental objectives.

Beyond the two fundamental objectives I think this debate is about--access for all and stopping out-of-control growth in health care costs--the issue of a "public option" has become a talking point. There is some confusion about what a public option is or is not. The public option would be an additional insurance plan offered by the federal government. It would not be free health care for the uninsured. All of the proposed health care bills include provisions to cover the uninsured through federal subsidies to insurance enrollees, whether or not there is a public option.

Once the House bill is finalized, I support allowing the public to have 72 hours to review the legislation before any House vote. I will continue to play a constructive role in the debate. We have an historic opportunity to make progress on this critical issue. I encourage you to keep sending me your comments and questions.

Sincerely,
Jim Matheson
U.S. Representative2nd District of Utah