Issue Position: Health Care Reform

Issue Position

The United States leads the world in advances in medical innovation. While this is promising for the future of medical care in our nation, a government takeover of our health care system is not a plausible plan for health care reform. It is inconceivable for the federal government to have an oppressive control of over one-sixth of our economy. I do not want the federal government to make health care choices for me and my family. Taxes will be increased, jobs will be at risk and the "blanket bureaucracy" just will not work for needs of the South Carolina voting public.

A patient-centered model must be considered. The patient-physician relationship is a sacred institution and must remain that way. Physicians and patients must work together, without government interference, to determine the best plan of care. Competition between companies and choices of health-care plans must be offered and is the only common-sense solution for healthcare reform. I do not believe the delivery of healthcare in this nation is a system that needs fixing. The opportunity for all Americans to have health care must be promulgated by competition in the market for health insurance and competition in the market for health care providers.

Under the current plan, employers are going to be forced to choose between not providing insurance for their employees and requiring the employees to pay a larger portion of their coverage. Access to healthcare will be stifled. A solution to the fact that over 47 million Americans are without healthcare is necessary, but a government-controlled overhaul is not a practical solution. With a socialized system, the bureaucracy will control the delivery of care and taxpayers will pay for the "free" universal health care. As a father of five, in a dual-income family, I don't understand why I have to fight with the insurance company to determine why our health care is not covered. As a private patient funding my own health care coverage, why should I be required, as an insured, to foot the bill for someone who has no insurance? I cannot support a socialist model of health care delivery and a rationing of care under bureaucratic control.

If we are to win the war on health care reform, a patient-centered health care system is necessary. Patients must be able to seek insurance products and care based on their personal needs and not those dictated by government. Doctor-patient relationships will be strengthened. The quality of care will be improved. Prices in a competitive market will be reduced. Hard-working families and small businesses alike would be allowed to participate in the selection, purchase and funding -- all at reasonable prices -- in a competitive health care market.

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