Does health care bill carry too high a price?
Published: 2009-11-30 11:46:19
Author: Gayle Beck | CantonRep.com | November 15, 2009
For months, the most intense debate about health care reform has focused on whether government should go into the insurance business through a “public option.” But the issue of cost has been building up steam even among moderate Democrats who support reforms in the bill passed by the House last weekend.
Rep. John Boccieri, who has represented Stark County and the rest of Ohio’s 16th District since January, was one of 39 Democrats to vote against H.R. 3962. The bill faces a rocky road in the Senate.
Boccieri said the bill didn’t do enough to reduce health care costs or to cover the costs of the programs it would set in motion.
“While I fully support quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone,” he said in a prepared statement, “I am disappointed the House bill sadly does not go far enough to reduce the costs of getting there.
“The Affordable Health Care for America Act contains some important regulatory reforms I fought for, including prohibiting discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions, stressing prevention and wellness programs, and capping annual out-of-pocket costs for patients. While I am pleased the final bill includes these critical provisions, it is clear to me that too many of my constituents share my concern about the cost of this bill and how we pay for it.”
Full story
Published: 2009-11-30 11:46:19
Author: Gayle Beck | CantonRep.com | November 15, 2009
For months, the most intense debate about health care reform has focused on whether government should go into the insurance business through a “public option.” But the issue of cost has been building up steam even among moderate Democrats who support reforms in the bill passed by the House last weekend.
Rep. John Boccieri, who has represented Stark County and the rest of Ohio’s 16th District since January, was one of 39 Democrats to vote against H.R. 3962. The bill faces a rocky road in the Senate.
Boccieri said the bill didn’t do enough to reduce health care costs or to cover the costs of the programs it would set in motion.
“While I fully support quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone,” he said in a prepared statement, “I am disappointed the House bill sadly does not go far enough to reduce the costs of getting there.
“The Affordable Health Care for America Act contains some important regulatory reforms I fought for, including prohibiting discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions, stressing prevention and wellness programs, and capping annual out-of-pocket costs for patients. While I am pleased the final bill includes these critical provisions, it is clear to me that too many of my constituents share my concern about the cost of this bill and how we pay for it.”
Full story