Stop Government-run Health care
June 22, 2009
As I'm sure you know, the health care debate in Washington has begun. One thing is for certain: this issue will be the battle of all battles in Congress this summer.
Too often in the recent past, the line separating Republicans from Democrats has been blurred. But when it comes to health care, I'm happy to report that the line has become much more distinct. The Administration and Democrats in Congress are bent on passing legislation to provide universal coverage and finance the plan through increased taxes. They estimated their plan would cost about $1 trillion to the taxpayers. So much for decreasing the cost of health care.
Interestingly, earlier this week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) came back with their own cost projections of the Administration's plan and it seems the numbers didn't exactly add up. Not only did the CBO report that the actual cost of the program to be much higher than the President says it will cost, but even with that increased cost, the program would still leave nearly 30 million citizens uninsured. The true cost to cover everyone in this fashion would be somewhere north of $4 trillion.
While Democrats control Washington, I think we Republicans may be beginning to catch our stride. And it's just in time. We absolutely must stop any attempt at a single-payer system.
Soon, I will be offering legislation to increase the amount an individual and family can contribute to a Health Saving Account (HSA). Currently, individuals and families can contribute $3,000 and $6,000, respectively, to their HSA. My plan will increase that amount to $8,000 per individual and $16,000 per family and, in doing so, it will allow the use of HSA funds to pay for policy premiums, which is not permitted under current law. Other Republicans, like Senator Tom Coburn (the only physician serving in the US. Senate) and Representative Paul Ryan are offering plans to reform how Americans receive health care benefits while promoting universal access to quality and affordable health care, all without leveling trillions of dollars in new debt on future generations.
Every day I am asked, "How can I help?" or "What can we do?" I have some suggestions and hope you'll take the time to follow through on some of them.
1. Talk with your family and friends about why you feel it is important for you to retain your right to make your own health care decisions and formulate your own plan on how to get involved.
2. Contact your Representatives and Senators in Congress, and call the President and share your concerns with him. Your voice can truly make a difference if you let it be heard.
3. Write letters to your local newspaper in support of health care choice.
4. Use the internet and the power of social networking to join or start groups to stop government-run health care.
While many issues are important, I think we recognize the ability to keep the right to make our own health care decisions is critical.
As always, I hope you'll take a moment to share your thoughts with me. While I cannot promise to respond to each message, please know that I read every one.
Sincerely,
Jeff
P.S. Please click this link to read the column from the Wall Street Journal, which shows what can be done when the free market, rather than government coercion, is used to control cost and improve quality.
Too often in the recent past, the line separating Republicans from Democrats has been blurred. But when it comes to health care, I'm happy to report that the line has become much more distinct. The Administration and Democrats in Congress are bent on passing legislation to provide universal coverage and finance the plan through increased taxes. They estimated their plan would cost about $1 trillion to the taxpayers. So much for decreasing the cost of health care.
Interestingly, earlier this week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) came back with their own cost projections of the Administration's plan and it seems the numbers didn't exactly add up. Not only did the CBO report that the actual cost of the program to be much higher than the President says it will cost, but even with that increased cost, the program would still leave nearly 30 million citizens uninsured. The true cost to cover everyone in this fashion would be somewhere north of $4 trillion.
While Democrats control Washington, I think we Republicans may be beginning to catch our stride. And it's just in time. We absolutely must stop any attempt at a single-payer system.
Soon, I will be offering legislation to increase the amount an individual and family can contribute to a Health Saving Account (HSA). Currently, individuals and families can contribute $3,000 and $6,000, respectively, to their HSA. My plan will increase that amount to $8,000 per individual and $16,000 per family and, in doing so, it will allow the use of HSA funds to pay for policy premiums, which is not permitted under current law. Other Republicans, like Senator Tom Coburn (the only physician serving in the US. Senate) and Representative Paul Ryan are offering plans to reform how Americans receive health care benefits while promoting universal access to quality and affordable health care, all without leveling trillions of dollars in new debt on future generations.
Every day I am asked, "How can I help?" or "What can we do?" I have some suggestions and hope you'll take the time to follow through on some of them.
1. Talk with your family and friends about why you feel it is important for you to retain your right to make your own health care decisions and formulate your own plan on how to get involved.
2. Contact your Representatives and Senators in Congress, and call the President and share your concerns with him. Your voice can truly make a difference if you let it be heard.
3. Write letters to your local newspaper in support of health care choice.
4. Use the internet and the power of social networking to join or start groups to stop government-run health care.
While many issues are important, I think we recognize the ability to keep the right to make our own health care decisions is critical.
As always, I hope you'll take a moment to share your thoughts with me. While I cannot promise to respond to each message, please know that I read every one.
Sincerely,
Jeff
P.S. Please click this link to read the column from the Wall Street Journal, which shows what can be done when the free market, rather than government coercion, is used to control cost and improve quality.
Posted by Jeff Flake. Posted In : Health Care
