Action to Lower Health Care Costs, Just What the Doctor Ordered
Action to Lower Health Care Costs, Just What the Doctor Ordered
2/4/2005
By Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito
Trips to the family doctor shouldn't break the family's budget. The rising cost of health care and prescription drugs is felt by every West Virginian. That is why reducing these costs continues to be a driving force behind the votes I cast in Congress. It is frustrating watching reforms that will lower the cost of health care fail to help West Virginians in need because the U.S. Senate won't act.
When they have had their chances the U.S. Senate has failed to take action on Medical Liability Reform, similar to reforms implemented in West Virginia to keep doctors from closing their practices. In addition, the U.S. Senate failed to act on Association Health Plans (AHPs), which would allow people to obtain affordable health insurance through a small businesses employer, civic group or a community organization like the W.V. Farm Bureau.
During his recent State of the Union Address, the President set the goal of putting a community health center in every poor county and creating tax credits to help low income workers buy insurance. These initiatives will help West Virginia, especially citizens in our rural counties. Every West Virginian now has access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs.) These accounts allow an individual or a family to save money tax free to pay for healthcare costs like insurance deductibles or doctor visits.
There are options available right now to ensure children have access to health insurance. As a member of the WV State Legislature I helped establish the State Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Today, thousands of West Virginia kids are eligible for low-cost and free health care coverage. I urge parents to call 1-877-WVA-CHIP to learn if their child is eligible for coverage.
There is tremendous opportunity to help West Virginians gain access to affordable health care. In Washington, I will continue to support efforts that will help lower the cost of health care. I urge the U.S. Senate to do the same.
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