Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards' Statement on Health Care Reform

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards' Statement on Health Care Reform

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) released the following statement in support of meaningful health care reform and a robust public health insurance option.

"Throughout the August recess, I met with thousands of my constituents in Maryland's 4th Congressional district. I heard the stories of so many who go to work everyday but who also go without health insurance or with inadequate insurance to meet their family's needs. I heard from our seniors whose out-of-pocket costs are soaring; from families with insurance but who've been broken and near bankrupt because of a tragic illness of a family member; from parents concerned about their newly adult children who are no longer eligible for health benefits under their employer-provided health insurance; from small businesses that want to be able to provide health insurance for their employees but cannot because of the staggering costs.

"I am resolved now as never before to achieving meaningful health care reform that provides quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all Americans at whatever stage in life, for whomever they work, and with meaningful choices. We cannot allow the loudest voices backed by the powerful corporate health insurance and drug companies to stand in the way of meaningful reform. We also cannot tinker around the edges of insurance reforms without bringing down costs and providing accountability for those industries and choice for consumers.

"I join so many of my colleagues in Congress in support of a robust public health insurance option that relies upon the Medicare provider network, with Medicare payment rates as a baseline, as an essential mechanism to encourage real competition, lower costs for all Americans, and keep insurance and drug companies honest.

"The current system is unsustainable, and I look forward to returning to Capitol Hill next week to work with our Leadership and our President to achieve quality, affordable health care for all Americans."