From the Office of Senator Evan Bayh: Health Care Reform

[and-justice-for-all]

Yeah, Bayh is a DINO I know, but he is my rep...sorry. :shrug:

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Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns.

The rising cost of health care and the growing number of uninsured Americans has highlighted the critical need for health care reform. Many individuals and families are unable to receive vital health services under the structure of the current system. I receive letters from constituents on a wide range of health care issues, such as prescription drug affordability, tax credits for health care expenses, and coverage of college students. Please know that I am aware of these challenges and committed to improving access to affordable health care and addressing the needs of those who are uninsured.

Earlier this year, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 was enacted to insure 11 million more children. The legislation included pediatric quality provisions from the Children's Health Care Quality Act (S. 225) that I introduced to address the urgent need to resolve quality care issues widespread in children's health care practices and make publicly available information on the quality of health care provided to children. I have fought successfully for the return of over $150 million in promised federal funds to Indiana to finance health insurance for lower-income Hoosier children. Most recently, I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was enacted on February 17, 2009. Aimed at creating or saving 3.5 million good-paying jobs nationwide through 2010, the economic recovery package also provides Indiana with an estimated $1.4 billion in additional targeted federal matching funds to prevent Medicaid eligibility cuts and to maintain services.

The economy is an important issue to Americans, and we cannot address the economy without talking about health care. A growing threat to our economy is the skyrocketing cost of health care. The U.S. system is the world's costliest; the country spends some $2.4 trillion a year on health care. An estimated 46 million people are uninsured, and many others lack adequate insurance. Businesses also find themselves in a challenging position to continue to provide health care insurance for their employees. Our priority should be to fix the system as we know it, to ensure that there is access to good, quality health care for Americans.

While we are in the early stages of the debate on health care reform, there are many questions regarding the role of the private and public sector. Due to increasing co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, many are calling for insurance regulation. Advances in health information technology are also being discussed, as electronic medical records could significantly reduce administrative costs. However, there are serious privacy and security concerns. Accountability measures such as patient notifications and patient control of personal health information must be explored in order to ensure adequate privacy protections.

As the debate unfolds, I support fiscally sound reform built on our current health care system that aims to provide Americans with affordable health care. Rest assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as the debate continues. I will continue to do my best to achieve solvent, bipartisan solutions that provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to as many Americans as possible.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. You can also sign up for occasional email updates. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.


Office of Senator Evan Bayh
[phone]
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510

[babylonsister]

1. "reform built on our current health care system" He makes no bones

about his decision even before the negotiating is done. What a surprise-not.

[and-justice-for-all]

2. It is really sickening to me...

Here we are with a majority, all the power to bulldoze repukes and their failed leadership into oblivion and yet, we have DINO asshats that hinder real change and progress.

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. These guys created the illusion that "somebody" was always stopping them

from getting things done. The fact is that they had no intention of ever getting this done, we have collectively finally called their bluff.

[rurallib]

6. And this line also

'Our priority should be to fix the system as we know it'
THE FUCKING SYSTEM IS BUSTED, BAYH. WHERE IN THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN. (downtown at the drugmaker in Indy?)

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. "affordable healthcare to as many Americans as possible."

I'll buy you as many pink ponies as possible!

This whole thing is worse than a "frustration dream".

[grantcart]

5. The entire sentence is an abomination

I will continue to do my best to achieve solvent, bipartisan solutions that provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to as many Americans as possible.


He isn't for a just or economic answer but a 'bipartisan' one that covers as many as 'possible'.

I have news for you --- its possible to cover them all.

[Oregone]

9. Yet they wont tell anyone what affordable means

So they won't deliver it.

[bluethruandthru]

11. Wow...that sentence really says it all doesn't it?

He'll "do his best"..which means he'll make the appearance of helping his constituents..but in the end he'll end up lining the pockets of the insurance company execs. "high quality, affordable healthcare"....right...what's "affordable"? Us little people will have to scrimp and save to pay outrageous premiums that in the end don't cover squat. But his insurance company friends won't have any trouble at all affording their vacation homes, expensive cars, boats etc. And finally ...'as many Americans as possible". hahahahahahahahahahaha

[Hutzpa]

7. I'm lost for words n/t

[mvd]

8. Funny how single-payer would be less costly than the current system, yet..

it wouldn't even cross Bayh's mind to be for single payer.

[Colobo]

10. This asshole is a loser. Someone need to challenge him in a primary or something.