Americans should have access to world-class health care. Few among us would argue that point. But the challenges to that end are significant. The insurance required to gain access to health care already is too expensive for many Americans and costs continue to escalate at a rate far greater than inflation.

Reform is necessary, and has been for quite some time. However, the pace at which the Obama administration is racing toward a solution is of grave concern to us.

Legislation of this size is a marathon, not a sprint. America needs well-defined, sensible solutions and they rarely come expeditiously. In addition to Obama’s, there are four other plans under consideration in Congress. Each of them lacks either perspective or specifics – or both – in their current forms.

This should worry each of us. The stakes are high. The price tag is even higher. We urge everyone to slow down. If it takes until 2010, Congress must take its time and get this right.

Obama has pushed hard for the Democratic-controlled Congress to vote on his plan in August. But even with support from the so-called “blue dog” conservative Democrats, it appears that a vote will come no sooner than September.

Regardless, that still is too short a period of time for proper debate of such a massive undertaking. This is no time for Americans to sit on the sidelines and hope that those they elected to represent them in Washington will come through. The people must engage in the process.

During the upcoming recess, make a point to seek out your local representative in Congress and ask them the questions about the health-care proposals on the table. It is essential to know where they stand and, as important, that they know where you stand on health-care reform. Ask them to explain the specifics of these massive plans in terms that apply to your life in a way that allows you to better understand the consequences each plan holds.

All proposals are not alike. Obama’s proposal would open health care to so many so quickly that it presents potentially catastrophic financial consequences. The 1,080-page overhaul plan would insure upwards of 50 million uninsured Americans, but carries with it tens of billions of dollars in new annual costs. Estimates provided by The Associated Press suggest that the Obama plan would cost taxpayers as much as $1.6 trillion over 10 years.

The Obama administration’s plan also lacks specifics about how it would be funded. The president’s plan would be funded by undefined cuts in the current health-care system coupled with tax increases on households making more than $250,000 annually.

Another proposal, the current Democratic House Bill, targets $544 billion in new income taxes from single people making in excess of $280,000 a year and couples who earn more than $350,000. It also would impose $37 billion in new taxes on businesses and capture another $200 billion in penalties from individuals and employers who do not obtain coverage. The plan would cut roughly $500 billion that currently is directed to Medicare and Medicaid.

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