Legislation Remains A Government-Takeover Of Health Care

Statement

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, issued the following remarks after House leaders unveiled their latest comprehensive health care plan, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, on Thursday, Oct. 29:

"This latest proposal may have a different name, but even with a new title, this legislation remains a government-takeover of health care that will raise taxes, increase our national debt, and put important health decisions in the hands of bureaucrats instead of individuals and their doctors.

"The 1,990 page bill includes the government-run ‘public option,' cuts Medicare benefits for seniors, and raises taxes on middle class families, all of which I will continue to oppose in any changes to our health care system. In addition, H.R 3962 does not protect the interests of small businesses nor does it adequately address defensive medicine. And, in the midst of states struggling with fiscal constraints, it will burden them with more unfunded mandates from the federal government.

"Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its preliminary analysis estimating the 1,990 page bill will cost $894 billion over the next 10 years. But, this price tag continues to rise with some predicting that this number might actually be closer to $1.1 trillion.

"Improvements need to be made to our system currently in place. However, a solution needs to be built upon the principle that when individuals -- not the government, insurance companies, or employers -- are given control and ownership, we will achieve full access to coverage and see the entire system move in a more positive, patient-centered direction.

"Everyone can agree that affordability, accessibility, portability, and quality should be the outcome of any overhaul of our nation's health care delivery system. More specifically, it should be guaranteed that medical decisions are kept in the hands of patients and their doctors; the cost of insurance is lowered, and in turn the number of Americans who have insurance is increased. The American people should be able to keep their health care coverage if they like it, and have the freedom to choose the plan that best meets their needs.

"We have approximately one week to digest the proposals in this legislation. My staff and I will be working diligently over the next few days to learn more as to how this new upheaval of our health care system will affect not only those in the 5th Congressional District, but the state of Louisiana."

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