Health Care is a Right, not a Privilege

Floor Speech

HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE -- (House of Representatives - July 28, 2009)

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Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, 47 million uninsured in the wealthiest and the most powerful country in the world is unconscionable. Health care should not be a privilege, which is what it is right now; it should be a right. The average American pays an extra $1,100 a year in premiums to support a broken system. Premiums have doubled in 9 years, growing three times faster than wages. Our health care reform plan does not, mind you, it does not call for a government takeover. We intend to lower cost, have no more copays or deductibles for preventive care, and an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses. If you like your doctor or your plan you can keep it. And yes, a real robust public option keeps health care costs down for those who choose private insurance.

It's time to take the profit-making insurance industry out of making health care decisions. Medical decisions should be made between a patient and a doctor. Medical decisions should not be made based on who profits. Profit motives and making health decisions will not provide for affordable health care for every man, woman and child.

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