Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on health care reform
Why I Will Vote Against the Pelosi Bill
“We all agree that real health care reform is a necessity. In South Florida we have far too many families living underinsured or completely uninsured. The Pelosi 1.3 trillion dollar bill is not the answer because it cuts Medicare programs for our seniors, taxes small businesses that are already struggling and leaves a staggering debt for our grandchildren. The price of healthcare will not stabilize, it will not go down, and we will all see the cost either in more taxes or premium increases. Congress should have worked together in a bipartisan way to help the uninsured while not putting additional economic burdens on hard working families at a time when unemployment is over 10% nationally.
Among other things, what’s needed in a healthcare reform package is the end to doctors’ fears of frivolous and expensive lawsuits and the practice of defensive medicine; the forcing of insurance companies to compete nationally for your business; the use of refundable tax credits to increase affordability and not penalize America’s small businesses. Our vital small business owners are already straining to not cut jobs and wages.
My mother is 83 and suffers from Alzheimer’s. When I see the Pelosi bill taking benefits away from seniors like her, I worry tremendously. Medicare helps countless seniors in our community live longer and healthier lives. The Pelosi bill makes $170 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage causing 3 million seniors to lose their current coverage. The Pelosi bill will increase Medicare prescription drug premiums by over 20 percent, a rate unaffordable to seniors. The Pelosi bill also has cuts to Home Health Care programs, hospice care, and the prescription drug care program. All Americans deserve access to affordable health care, but reducing quality and quantity of care for one group to pay for another is a sacrifice that our seniors should not be forced to make.
I am a proud new grandmother, and the Pelosi 1.3 trillion dollar bill will leave a legacy of debt to my granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth. In Congress’ rush to get any kind of bill passed, regardless of its cost or impact, they have taken the wrong approach. Congress should find common-sense and practical ways to fix what is broken in the system without destroying what works.
We need competition and market place reforms that will bring high quality and low prices. This bill was simply the wrong medicine for America’s health care problems. We must let Americans decide for themselves what is best for their families. Everyone deserves healthcare treatment, everyone deserves access to healthcare insurance, and everyone deserves both at an affordable cost. We can, we must, do better.
The Pelosi bill found creative ways to hide healthcare costs in new taxes, mandates and cuts that make no sense for families and seniors, no sense for small businesses, and no sense for future generations.”
HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS
I'm mindful of the need for real health care reform in our community that will provide access to high quality, affordable health care but this costly bill is not the answer. Let's work together in a bipartisan way to help the uninsured while not driving already hurting small businesses and hard working families further into debt.
We face a crisis in healthcare access, not healthcare delivery. Everyone deserves access to medical treatment and it is important that we make healthcare insurance premiums affordable for all Americans. There is no reason for healthcare insurance premiums to be out of reach of our families or small businesses who want to provide insurance for their employees
HEALTH CARE and FAMILIES
Long before Americans worry about their own healthcare needs, they worry about the healthcare needs of their family: their kids, spouse, and parents. Families are in this together, and healthcare reform must acknowledge that not covering even one member of a family has terrible consequences for all in that family. Everyone deserves access to healthcare insurance, everyone deserves healthcare treatment, and everyone deserves both at an affordable cost.
No American should be denied health insurance based on a pre-existing condition. We must provide the vital safeguard for patients so they know that they will have access to health care when they need it most. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, approximately 133 million Americans, or 45% of the population, have at least one chronic disease, placing them at potential risk of a pre-existing condition exclusion. Patients with chronic, debilitating diseases, even if preventable, should never be denied insurance coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
Eliminating discrimination based on pre-existing conditions is important, but equally important is preventing insurance companies from dropping coverage when patients with coverage become sick. Many Americans pay their insurance premiums for decades thinking that when they need to use their plans, they will be covered. It is unconscionable that often times these very people are dropped from their insurance when they get sick, find that the procedures they need are not covered, or quickly max out their lifetime allowable payments. What good is health insurance that is only available to healthy people? We must make sure those who need treatment get treatment.
Americans are protected from age and gender discrimination in almost all facets of our society. One place it is still legal to discriminate based on these criteria is in health insurance premiums. It is important that we eliminate these discriminatory practices and make health insurance accessible and affordable to all
HEALTH CARE and DOCTORS
Doctors should be protected from frivolous, expensive lawsuits so they can reduce unnecessary and expensive tests and procedures and remove over $60 billion in unnecessary costs from the system.
With skyrocketing medical school costs and medical liability insurance rates, there is a dire lack of general physicians and new doctors coming into the system. We must encourage sustained growth in the medical field to ensure that we do not have a shortage of trained professionals. Access to care should never mean rationing of care, and we should support opportunities for more students to pursue medical careers.
Our healthcare system focuses too often on treating the symptoms of poor health but rarely the underlying causes. We as Americans, and our healthcare system, can do far more on the side of preventative medicine and keep people from ever finding themselves with expensive or chronic illnesses in the first place. Healthcare reform must eliminate extra charges for preventative care, such as mammograms, flu shots, and diabetes tests. Preventative care allows us to catch problems earlier in the course of the disease, often substantially increasing a patient’s survival chances as well as keeping the problem from developing into an expensive debilitating state.
HEALTH CARE and TAXES
The last thing individuals need in this economic recession is more taxes. The bill before us would tax individuals 2.5% on their income if they do not purchase “adequate” health insurance. When families are struggling to stay in their homes and unemployment is at nearly 11% in South Florida, this is just not wise policy.
The plan includes more than $729.5 billion in job-killing tax increases on small businesses and families over the next 10 years. Healthcare reform needs to bring down the cost to insure our families. The proposal makes no effort to control skyrocketing costs in the system. Instead, it finds ways to hide healthcare costs in taxes on individuals, businesses, and would distress the greater economy.
HEALTH CARE and SENIORS
Medicare is not perfect, but it helps countless seniors in our community live longer and better lives. It is a shame then that the health care bill takes aim at Medicare. Proposed cuts of the Medicare Advantage Program are upwards of $170 billion. All Americans deserve affordable health care, but reducing quality and quantity of care for one group to pay for another is a sacrifice that our seniors should not be forced to make.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage are lifelines for many elderly Americans, especially in South Florida. Sadly though, there are over $170 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage proposed as a way to partially pay for healthcare reform. In this economic recession we should not consider limiting seniors’ choices or causing many to lose their current health care coverage. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says that Medicare prescription drug premiums will likely rise by 20 percent because of the House bills. I know, and those of us with elderly parents know, that seniors just cannot afford this. It is crucial that we prevent waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicare system but the House’s proposed healthcare reform makes it tougher on seniors to get the coverage and treatment they deserve after a lifetime of handwork and sacrifice. We need healthcare reform, but reform should not be on the back of America’s seniors.
HEALTH CARE and the DEFICIT – COST TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Federal Government ran a $1.4 trillion deficit in the last year alone. Right now, because of bailouts, bank rescues, and other government spending the Federal Government has ended up spending as much as $23 trillion. One thing this bill certainly has none of is savings from eliminating or even reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.
HEALTH CARE and INTERSTATE COMPETITION
A central aspect of making insurance companies compete is to allow for individuals to shop for insurance plans across state lines. Interstate competition would force insurance companies to compete nationally. Individuals and families will have a broader selection of plans to choose from in order to meet their specific healthcare needs. Instead of a government-run healthcare market that would stifle competition, interstate insurance would be a consumer-driven option that would ensure that insurance companies provide effective and affordable healthcare to all Americans.
We must make insurance companies compete to provide the best coverage at the best price. The insurance companies should also be required to keep contracts and plans simple, no fine print, to keep insurance coverage simpler, cheaper, and fairer.
Here in the United States we have long believed in a free, fair, and open economy based on competitive market principles. We must force insurance companies to compete against one another for your business. There is a distinct lack of competitiveness in the health insurance business and by letting consumers choose an insurance provider across state lines in a national market we can improve quality while lowering costs. Without this important principle insurance companies have no incentive to produce the best product and services at the lowest price.
Simple common-sense solutions, not radical restructuring, will get us there quicker, easier, and cheaper. We need competition and market place reforms that will bring high quality and low prices.
Please take a moment to fill out an online health care survey HERE. If you would like a hard copy of my survey sent to you please give my office a call at (202) 225-3931.
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Health Related Bills in Congress
TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act:
The National Guard and Reserves are vital branches of our country’s military. On both a domestic and international level, they serve a critical role in the defense of our nation. It is because of their importance that I have cosponsored the H.R. 270 TRICARE bill. This bill allows any member of the retired reserve who qualifies for a non-regular retirement before the age of 60 to get the benefits of a 60 year old retiree under TRICARE.
Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act:
We all understand the importance of clinical studies in creating effective new treatments for uncured diseases such as cancer. As a cosponsor of this bill, I believe that we must ensure that those who wish to participate in clinical studies can do so without pressure from their healthcare provider. This bill can also assist those who test the treatment to accumulate accurate data that can eventually lead to a cure. We must help those in poor health to gain every advantage they can in combating their conditions.
Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act:
I believe our veterans have a right to healthcare that they can depend on. That is why I cosponsored this bill to keep healthcare prices stable for military retirees. We have an obligation to these men and women who have sacrificed so much and it is our responsibility to ensure they have affordable reliable healthcare.
Children's Access to Reconstructive Evaluation & Surgery (CARES) Act:
The purpose of the CARES bill is to increase the opportunities for children dealing with congenital or developmental deformities, diseases, or injuries to live a more fulfilling life. The bill would allow for the creation of health plans capable of servicing the needs of the children who deal with these issues. All children deserve a fair chance at living a “normal” life and for this reason, I co-sponsored the CARES bill.
Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act:
Everyone has the right to quality medical coverage regardless of their current or past health conditions. That is why I cosponsored the Preexisting Condition Patient Protection Act, to keep group health plans from restricting or excluding people based on preexisting conditions. This way, those who need the most assistance can get it.
Children's Health Protection Act:
Young people are the future of our great nation. That is why we cannot allow healthcare companies to restrict coverage to young people with preexisting conditions. I cosponsored the Children’s Health Protection Act, which would allow for young people to have coverage despite any preexisting condition. A child should always have the right to medical treatment.
Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians under Medicaid Act:
Those who are covered by Medicaid do not always possess the means to seek outside doctors for certain conditions that are not within the specific coverage offered by Medicaid. That is why I cosponsored this bill, designed to expand Medicaid to include podiatrists. We must continue to do all that we can for those who are in need.
Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act:
Combating diseases such as breast cancer requires fortitude and determination. In this battle, a lack of coverage should be the least of one’s concern. In order to make that a reality, I have cosponsored this bill designed to expand the coverage of those with breast cancer. It will require health plans to cover radiation treatments related to breast cancer, and prevent those health plans from restricting hospital stays. With this expanded coverage, the focus can stay on the fight and nothing else.
Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act:
When battling diseases such as HIV, early detection can mean the difference between life and death. That is why I cosponsored this bill, to require HIV screening during routine checkups. Early detection is proven to be advantageous when combating such a deadly disease and we need to make every effort to increase early detection.
Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act:
It is simply the case that male and female bodies function differently. Because of this, we cannot simply assume medications will have the same effects on both sexes. That is why I have cosponsored this bill that requires labels on drugs to include statistics and side effects particular to women. This way we can be sure that we completely understand what the effects will be when we fill our prescriptions.
Early Treatment for HIV Act:
Certain HIV infected individuals do not have the means to provide themselves with the treatments required to fight it. In order to provide some assistance I have cosponsored the Early Treatment for HIV Act. This bill would expand Medicaid coverage to provide treatment for HIV. Not only will this bill help the individuals with Medicaid, but it can assist in combating HIV.
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Autism
I have made a major effort to support legislation in the Congress to help people with autism. An important part of this is increased autism funding for research and services. Autism is a developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed during the first 3 years of life, robbing individuals of their ability to communicate and interact with others. It affects an estimated 1 in every 150 children in the United States.
I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1106 which passed the House earlier this year. It designated April 2008 as "National Autism Awareness Month and supports efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism. H.R. 1106 also recognizes the shortage of trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; as well as the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
Another key bill in the fight against Autism which I am supporting is “Expanding the Promise for Individuals With Autism Act” ( H.R. 1881). It provides additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.
It also authorizes approximately $350 million in new federal money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and services for both children and adults with autism.
This legislation provides demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions and services ($20 million annually), as well as planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism ($20 million annually). It also establishes grants for the expansion of immediate post-diagnosis care ($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal Year 2012).
I am also co-sponsoring the TEACH Act, H.R. 2390, which will help increase the number of autism teachers by providing a refundable tax credit for education and training expenses.
The Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008, H.R. 5446 is another key bill I am supporting. It sets up a USAID health and education grant program and establishes a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.
Alzheimer’s Services
I cosponsored HR 1032 - Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand treatment services for patients with Alzheimer's disease and training and support services for families and caregivers of such patients.
Fighting Cancer
I have cosponsored legislation to combat cancer which is one of the leading causes of death in our nation. Legislation I have backed on this vital issue includes:
- HR 715 – the Annie Fox Act to expand, intensify, and coordinate activities regarding breast cancer in younger women, including the conduct and support of basic and clinical research on the causes, prevention, detection, treatment, and long-term effects of breast cancer in young women.
- HR 758 - Breast Cancer Patient Protect Action. This bill would require a group health plan to ensure that inpatient coverage and radiation therapy are provided for breast cancer treatment.
- HR 1064 - Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act. This bill extends provisions requiring the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp for first-class mail to contribute funding for breast cancer research.
- HR 1157 - Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act. This bill makes available grants to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of centers to conduct multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer.
- HR 1190 - Community Cancer Care Preservation Act. A bill that would improve cancer care coverage under Medicare and restore appropriate payment for the hours of cancer drug administration.
- HR 1738 - The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Act. This bill will establish a program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide screenings and treatment for colorectal cancer and targets screening services toward individuals between 50 to 64 years of age or those under 50 years old but with high risk of such cancer.
Improving Children’s Health Care
I have a longstanding record of promoting children’s issues across our nation. I fully support the SCHIP program in providing better health care for our children, which is why I supported S. 2009, the SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 which passed the Congress last December. This legislation reauthorized and extended SCHIP through March 2009 in order to provide Congress the necessary time to work in a bi-partisan manner to craft a bill that will provide benefits to those who really need help—low-income, uninsured children.
I also cosponsored HR 2073 - Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act. This legislation establishes programs related to mental health services for children and adolescents including paying educational loans in exchange for providing mental health services to children and adolescents and to award scholarships to students who agree to work as child and adolescent mental health service professionals after graduation or completion of residence.
Expanding Health Centers
I am a cosponsor of HR 1343 – the Health Centers Renewal Act. This bill calls for reauthorization of the health centers program for five years. It will authorize Federal dollars for health centers to meet the health care needs of medically underserved populations.
Battle Against Heart Disease
I co-sponsored HR 1014 – the Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act. The legislation authorizes grants to educate healthcare professionals about the prevalence and unique aspects of care for women in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It would also require that healthcare data that is already being reported to the federal government be stratified by sex, as well as by race and ethnicity. Finally, it will improve screening for low-income women at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Fighting HIV-AIDS
South Florida has one of the highest rates of AIDS cases in the state. Roughly 19 percent of the state total for those living with HIV infection reside in my District. So I am all too familiar with the human costs of this disease and hope for the day when its ravages are safely confined to the past. I have worked for funding to cure this malady both at home here in the U.S. as well as in the fight against HIV-AIDS in other nations.
I co-sponsored HR 3326 - Early Treatment For HIV Act. The bill will give states the option of providing Medicaid coverage for certain low-income HIV-infected individuals. According to the current Medicaid system, an HIV patient is only covered if they are disabled by AIDS. The bill would provide access to early detection and treatment before the patient becomes disabled.
I have also worked hard for HIV-AIDS prevention funding under the Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. Since the passage of the original Leadership Act, extensive emergency treatment and prevention programs have begun to slow the advance of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This bill has supported HIV testing and counseling for 30 million people, and cared for nearly 6.7 million, including almost 3 million orphans and vulnerable children. It has also supplied medicine for approximately 800,000 expectant mothers, preventing an estimated 157,000 infant HIV infections.
Improving Mental Health
I cosponsored HR 687 - Keeping Families Together Act to award competitive matching grants to states to establish systems of care to provide mental health treatment and services to all children who are in the custody of the state or at-risk of entering into the custody of the state for the purpose of receiving mental health services.
I am also a cosponsor of HR 1424 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The bill explicitly disallows separate cost-sharing arrangements, such as deductible, which add increased out-of-pocket cost to mental health and addiction care, and it requires plans that have an out-of-network option to offer it also for mental health and addiction care.
Vision Care
As a co-chair and founding member of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I have worked tirelessly to support better access to vision care for our families.
I supported HR 507, Vision Care for Kids Act, which was adopted in the House of Representatives, to award grants to states to provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children and provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of children.
