Senate Finance Committee puts forward health care reform framework

“We are at a critical juncture on the road to health care reform. Three years ago, we entered this debate with four simple principles to achieve the right reform:

• Create greater consumer value in the health care marketplace;
• Provide more affordable health insurance options for all Americans;
• Place an obligation on all Americans to have health insurance coverage; and
• Offer health care coverage and assistance to low-income, uninsured individuals and families.

“Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus has put forward a bold framework for health care reform that builds on what works and improves what doesn’t. It’s a good start.

“However, we must strengthen and improve the efficiencies in the system to reduce overall costs sooner. We must correct the mismatch of the timing of these reforms and the individual obligations so that it doesn’t exacerbate the cost shift on those employers who pay. An increased cost shift to our companies, who provide health care coverage to more than 35 million workers and their families, has a direct impact on employers’ ability to create jobs and secure our country’s economic footing.

“We remain committed to working with Congress and the White House to get this bill right,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company and Chair of Business Roundtable’s Consumer Health and Retirement Initiative.

http://www.businessroundtable.org/