Martinsburg Journal - Capito Focuses On Health Reform Issue

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For U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, the question isn't whether the nation needs health care reform. Instead, it's a matter of how to best accomplish that goal.

Capito, R-W.Va., said Monday that she believes bipartisanship cooperation can - and should - play an important part in the ongoing national health care debate.

"I think we have some key areas of agreement, and I'd like to see us focus on these. There's broad bipartisan consensus that nobody should be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. There's agreement that nobody who pays their premiums and acts in good faith should be dropped from their plan just because they get sick. There's agreement on the need to focus on portability, on wellness and prevention," Capito said.

"Instead of a complete remaking of the health care system, let's focus on those who we know can't get insurance or can't afford it," she said.

A bipartisan consensus also makes sense considering the size and importance of this issue, which impacts "nearly one-seventh of our nation's economy and touches every single American citizen," Capito said.

"It simply cannot, and should not, be rammed through Congress by one party alone," she said.

Despite her hopes, Capito said she is "troubled" by legislation currently under consideration.

She said the House proposal threatens to raise taxes on employers and force millions of dollars in cuts to Medicare.

"Outside experts also suggest it could lead millions of Americans to lose their private health insurance and end up in a government-run health care plan," Capito said.

Cost is another important consideration, according to Capito, who said health care reform will "add significantly" to the federal deficit.

"Simply put, we must address the issue of cost because after a $700 billion bailout, a record-sized stimulus plan and a $3.6 trillion budget, we cannot continue to pass enormous amounts of debt onto our children and future taxpayers," she said.

"Inevitably, these massive expenditures will lead to increased taxes and more burdens on American business," Capito said.

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