Republican says House Dems Rejected Common Sense Reforms

Insuring Resources Commentary:

GOP Congressman Mark Kirk says House Democrats rejected several common sense Republican proposals in the debate on the House's Health Care reform bill.

He said some proposals sought to allow greater flexibility for state innovation. In not knowing the specifics I'd say state innovation should have been encouraged but the details are missing so on its face it seems like a missed opportunity to allow for some bi-partisanship.

On another issue Kirk says Dems rejected "allowing consumers to buy coverage from across state lines."

Let's analyze that one. Wisconsin insurance regulations are some of the strongest in the nation which also does add a bit of cost to our health insurance premiums. Health mandates requiring greater coverage do often add costs to health insurance premiums. BUT, we get better and more comprehensive coverage because of it. The old adage, "You get what you pay for" definitely applies here.

The wonderful state of Alabama however does not have a stellar reputation for its insurance regulations. Health insurance is cheaper there because insurers face less restrictions and mandates.

When faced with high health care premiums many businesses would seek cheaper coverage in Alabama wouldn't they, and they'd get what they paid for, wouldn't they?

What if your employer chose to purchase coverage from an Alabama-based insurer?


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Republican lawmaker says House Democrats rejected GOP proposals to improve health care bill

From JS Online 11/14/09

GOP Congressman Bashes Dems Health Care Proposals

In this week's Republican address Congressman Mark Kirk says he wants to see tort reform in health care improvements.

In this week's Republican address Congressman Mark Kirk criticizes the health care proposals pushed by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

In this week's Republican address, Congressman Mark Kirk says the Democrats' health care ideas are just too expensive.

In this week's Republican address Congressman Mark Kirk says the current health care proposals cost too much and take away too much.



WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democrats missed opportunities to improve the House-passed health care bill when they rejected Republican ideas to limit lawsuits and give states more flexibility to enact innovative changes, a GOP lawmaker said Saturday.

Delivering the Republicans' weekly radio and Internet address, Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois said health care costs could be lowered by "reining in lawsuits" and allowing consumers to buy coverage from across state lines. Kirk promoted several provisions in the House GOP health care bill, which was rejected a week ago when the House passed the Democratic plan.

"Unfortunately, all of these commonsense Republican reforms were rejected by Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi," Kirk said in the address. "The Pelosi health care bill has no significant lawsuit reforms and does not guarantee your medical rights from government waiting lines or restrictions."

Kirk, who is in his fifth House term representing the suburbs north of Chicago, is a candidate for the Republican nomination to run for the Senate seat that was held by President Barack Obama. He called the House Democrats' health plan "a new massive spending program, supported by heavy taxes and cuts to senior health care."

"In sum, the bill opens a new trillion-dollar entitlement just as our national debt tops $12 trillion," Kirk said.