Bayh's Statement on the Health Reform Bill

Several days ago Sen. Evan Bayh's office issued a statement on the health reform bill that has since passed a Senate vote. He characterizes the bill as representing all that frustrates people about Washington, but also as containing a number of important changes in the system.

“This legislation, despite all its flaws, prohibits insurance companies from denying Hoosiers coverage because they have a medical condition. It prevents insurance companies from dropping people from their coverage because they become seriously ill. It limits the fees that insurance companies can charge consumers. It expands Medicare benefits so seniors can afford the prescription drugs they need. And it ensures that everyone can keep the right to choose their own doctor.
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office indicates that this legislation will reduce the deficit by $132 billion over the first 10 years and up to $1.3 trillion in the decade beyond. This is certainly not the complete answer to our deficit problem, but at least it’s a modest start. The CBO also reports that 93 percent of Americans will see their health insurance costs remain stable or go down. For the other 7 percent, increased competition and new coverage choices were added to reduce costs that otherwise might rise."

But Bayh's final argument is that the status quo can't continue:

"My bottom line is that this is a close call. Legitimate arguments have been made by both sides. On balance, I believe we should try to improve our health care system rather than do nothing. Of course there will be things to correct. With a proposal this large and complex, perfection is unachievable. But one thing is certain beyond any doubt: Inaction will only cause our problems to fester, year after year. This proposal gives us a chance for a better health care system. The alternative is to have no chance of doing better, and that is unacceptable.”

You can read Sen. Bayh's entire statement here.