ABQJOURNAL OPINION/GUEST_COLUMNS: Health Care Reform Needed Now

Monday, July 13, 2009

Health Care Reform Needed Now

By Brian S. ColÓN
Chairman, Democratic Party of N.M.
          President Barack Obama has said we are at a time of great challenge. We face wars abroad and a struggling economy at home. But with great challenges come great opportunities. The problems we face require more than the usual Washington quick-fix, they require fundamental reform.
        There are few better examples of the need for fundamental reform than in our health care system.
        Our health care system is broken. Forty-five million Americans don't have insurance, either because they can't afford the high premiums or they were denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions — including 23 percent of people in New Mexico. Many families are losing their choice of doctors due to insurance cutbacks — some are losing the choice to even visit a doctor when they're sick. Elderly couples across New Mexico are being forced to choose between buying groceries or the medications they need.
        Without reform, health insurance premiums will hit the stratosphere and will continue to erode American workers' and families' benefits — and even more Americans will be without coverage. But despite these grave realities, for years Washington has been beholden to special interests — politicians failing to make the tough choices, imperiling our economy, our security and the health of our fellow citizens in the process.
        We've all heard stories from friends and families who have been affected by the high costs of health care. The Democratic Party of New Mexico has received dozens of stories from individuals telling about why they need health care reform.
        Stories like Gregory Johnson of Albuquerque, a father of three children who works 80 hours a week to provide for his family. His employer offers health insurance but his portion of the premium is too expensive. He has made the difficult decision to not purchase the insurance so that he can put food on the table and a roof over his family's heads.
        Politicians from all sides of the aisle agree that the system isn't working. So now it's time to move from talk to action, and that's why President Obama has committed to swiftly enacting substantial reform that's based on three principles — reducing the costs of care for families, businesses and government, guaranteeing Americans can keep their choice of doctor and coverage, and ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health insurance.
        Reforming the system will undoubtedly be a huge undertaking. Health care is an issue that affects every American, and the only way we can successfully change the system is by bringing all voices to the table. However, the Democratic Party of New Mexico strongly believes that any comprehensive reform must include a public option to increase competition and drive down health care costs.
        We must move beyond the divisive arguments that have plagued past attempts at reform. Americans can no longer bear the burden of a broken health care system. We must act now to enact reform that works for families, local governments, and businesses alike.
        To do this, President Obama has promised to work in an open, inclusive, and transparent manner where all ideas are encouraged regardless of political stripes. Working with Members of Congress, hospitals, doctors, businesses and unions, the President is committed to making sure we finally enact comprehensive health care reform. Working together, we can reduce long-term growth of health insurance costs, guarantee choice of doctors, invest in prevention and wellness, end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions, and ensure every American receives the health care they need and deserve.
        This is more than just a social issue, it's an economic issue as well — and over the long term, reforming our health care system will lead to faster economic growth, higher take-home pay for workers, greater employment opportunities, a more level playing field between small and large businesses, and deficit control.
        Make no mistake — achieving comprehensive health care reform will not be easy. Controlling cost growth cannot just be a lofty goal, it must become a reality. We need reforms that reward prevention and wellness, that emphasize quality over quantity, and encourage patient involvement. These reforms are vital to our nation and New Mexico economic stability.
        This is truly a historic moment in our nation's history. I, like many New Mexicans, am excited for the opportunity before us to enact real and substantive change. Together, we must look beyond the critics and supporters of the status quo to the brighter future that lies ahead. We can act. We must act. The future of our nation and our people depends on it.

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