Health Insurer Regence supports Obama for comprehensive health care reform

The following is a statement from Mark Ganz, president and chief executive officer of Regence BlueCross BlueShield:

"President Obama's speech to Congress last night addressed many of the changes necessary to achieve comprehensive health care reform, changes that will move our nation toward the ultimate goal of universal coverage for all Americans. We certainly agree that the system is broken, it is too costly, outcomes are not what they should be, and not what the American public deserves.

"We were pleased the president focused so much attention on the high and rising costs of health care. Like many Americans, Regence has questions about specific elements of the reform proposals, including how to ensure the long-term financial stability of the system. We will have failed the nation in bringing about real, sustainable reform if we don't address how we will control these costs.

"There is consensus in Congress and the health care industry -- including insurers -- around much of what the legislation should accomplish. All Americans must have affordable coverage and access to quality care; insurers must drop pre-existing barriers to coverage; medical care must become more efficient; and the entire system must be simpler and more transparent. Regence has advocated these changes for years and stands ready to share our practical experience to ensure that these reforms work."