Heinrich Urges Speaker And Majority Leader To Include Public Option In Health Insurance Reform Bill

Press Release

In a letter sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) reiterated his strong commitment to health insurance reform legislation that includes a robust public option that will provide greater choice and lower costs for American consumers. The letter, mailed today, was signed by 48 other members of Congress.

"The American people have seen premiums more than double since 2000 while wages have stagnated. Our families and small businesses have paid the hidden costs -- to the tune of approximately $1,100 per family -- that are the result of subsidizing treatment of the uninsured. These facts underlie the need for the public option and health insurance coverage for all Americans as the best way to reform our inefficient and bloated health system, and reduce the burden placed on America's families, small businesses and the federal budget," the letter stated.

The public option would be a government-run insurance plan that competes with private insurance companies to hold down rates, and has been a central component of Rep. Heinrich's principles on health insurance reform. The benefits of reform that includes a robust public option would be large and immediate for New Mexicans.

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