The national debate raging over “Obamacare” has serious state and local implications. From my discussions with many residents in the HudsonValley, there is a growing consensus that HR 3200 does not address the crisis of the uninsured adequately, busts the bank upon the backs of future generations and ultimately may ration the quality of care to a point unacceptable to most Americans.

 

With the President’s recent address I was hopeful that this new President would find the strength to shun the extremists in his party, currently controlling the debate, and forge a more pragmatic approach. It seems obvious to me that the opportunity that rests before this President is an historic opportunity to work in a bipartisan fashion to achieve serious and cost-effective solutions.

 

I do believe that reforms are needed, yet I proudly join the ranks of the millions opposed to an expensive and massive government takeover of health care. That said, in a country as great as ours, just saying no is not a reasonable alternative. And while the President of the United States is a superb orator, with rhetorical speeches marking his short tenure, many Americans are beginning to wonder, “Where’s the beef?”

 

The President’s plan is short on details and something must be done. As a state legislator who has been wrangling with the issue of health care since being elected, and having a personal understanding of the current system’s impacts upon seniors, working families and veterans, I know all too well that reform is certainly needed and I have worked hard at a state level to bring about meaningful reforms in health care. 

 

In the coming weeks, I will be unveiling a set of proposals, asking our federal representatives to refuse to embrace a massive government takeover, but instead forge these ideas into a moderate, thoughtful and effective solution that can be accepted and adopted in a truly bipartisan manner.

 

The following proposals are the result of my discussions with many constituents from my various Town Hall meetings:

 

• Every American, regardless of pre-existing health conditions, should be eligible for health insurance.
• We should embrace innovative ways that allow providers to cut out middle men, insurance companies, by providing direct care at an affordable price through retainer medicine.
• Any health care model Congress passes, they should themselves abide by.
• Allow dependents to remain on their parents’ health policies up to the age of 25.
• Partner immediately with small businesses throughout the United States, through direct subsidies and indirect tax incentives; strengthen employer-provided health coverage by helping small businesses bridge the “affordability gap."
  

• Pass comprehensive Tort Reform by immediately getting runaway lawsuits in check.
• Improve access to health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements while creating new tax benefits to offset the cost of long-term care premiums.
• We must make it clear that we will tolerate no cuts to Medicare.
• Provide for insurance portability and competition across state lines.
  
• Adopt effective initiatives capable of ascertaining one’s unlawful immigration status.
• Help families keep their health insurance regardless of a change or loss of a job.
• Let small businesses band together to purchase high-quality health care.

 

These ideas provide a framework, not for a massive government takeover, but for a solution driven answer to insure millions of working Americans who are currently uninsured, without busting the bank, without lowering the quality of care and by working with, instead of against, private enterprise.

 

I am glad I took the time to host Town Hall meetings throughout the district, to listen to voters and concerned residents. I only hope that their concerns and great ideas will be heard and adopted in our nation’s capitol in an attempt to improve the debate.