Daily Mail: Capito Urges Slower Pace

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Daily Mail: Capito Urges Slower Pace

As President Obama keeps up the pressure for Congress to act swiftly on health care reform, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., says the prudent course would be to slow down and take a careful look at the massive proposal.

Capito agreed that reform is needed, but criticized the Obama administration and some leaders in Congress for wanting to move too fast on such a costly, complex undertaking....

"This is a rush for something that's going to cost over $1 trillion," Capito said. "I feel we're moving at such a rapid pace, and I'm not sure if we're considering all the angles."

Obama and top Democrats have proposed setting up a national insurance exchange, which would serve as a supermarket of plans and allow consumers the freedom to select a suitable policy. A government-run public plan would be an option.

Republicans and some conservative Democrats have expressed concerns about the cost, the potential for tax hikes, and the overall effect on health care quality. Under provisions of the House bill, the cost of reform would be $1.5 trillion....

The five-term congresswoman said one key concern centers on the quality of health care after any reform takes place.

"Everyone talks about Canada and England and Germany (countries that provide universal health care)," Capito said. "But there are situations where people are waiting in long lines for certain procedures. Physicians are told to see how many people and for how long. I don't know why we'd move into that direction."

...Capito also has reservations about the legislation's impact on small businesses.

"Now is not the time to raise taxes on small business," she said. "The mandates for employers could result in job losses."

Obama has said that higher taxes would be imposed on the upper class to help pay for the overhaul.

Capito said she agrees with some parts of the health care package.

"I agree that you shouldn't be denied coverage because of preexisting conditions," Capito said.

Capito also said she supports giving low-income Americans refundable tax credits to help set them up with a health care plan, and extending coverage for college students up to age 25 if they're on a parent's plan.

"There are things we can do to help the uninsured without a total overhaul of the system," she added.

Obama claimed that health care reform would not add to the country's deficit over the next decade, but Capito questions that.

"I don't question his motives," she said. "He does want health reform and better health care. But when he says it won't cost and won't add to the deficit, that just doesn't add up."

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