Transcripts

Text transcript of 10/16/09 radio actuality.

This is Congressman Ike Skelton.

Over the past few months, I have carefully reviewed the health insurance reform bills now pending in Congress. And, have visited with members Fourth District about this very important issue for a good number of weeks. While most people seem to agree that the health insurance system needs reform, a great deal of skepticism remains in rural Missouri about the approach taken by Congress.

I share this skepticism and am not convinced any of the proposals in the House represent the best policy choice for the American people.

I oppose the current House proposals and will vote against them unless they are vastly improved.

First, health insurance reform must not include a "government option." The unanticipated consequences may be the drying up of private health insurance.

Second, health insurance reform must reduce costs for those who are already insured and for small businesses. And, the bill must be deficit neutral or reduce the deficit.

Third, health insurance reform must not ration care for senior citizens and must ensure veterans and military retirees' health benefits are protected.

Fourth, health insurance reform must not fund abortion services. I am pro-life.

Fifth, health insurance reform must provide fair and adequate reimbursement to rural health care providers, such as hospitals and rural health clinics.

These areas are very important to me, and as I have visited with so many folks in Missouri, it is apparent that many residents of the Show-Me State share these concerns as well.

Unless the bills in the House are radically altered, they will not receive my support.

This is Congressman Ike Skelton.