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State Representative Tom Hackbarth
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-2439
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
REFORM NOT TAKEOVER
By Tom Hackbarth
State Representative
Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree we need reform in our current health care system. But we drastically differ on what reforms we need. This week the House discussed what is being called a Health Care Reform bill. However, there is no reform in this bill.
The Democrats who supported this health care bill, HF3391, believe we should be moving towards a government run, socialized medicine system. They believe the government can run a system better than the private market can. When I look at what government currently does, I don’t see anything being run well. Especially not better than the private market.
The “reform” the Democrats want is to bankrupt the Health Care Access Fund by subsidizing health care for people who make up to $82,600. They also want to raise the income limit on MNCare, which is the current state run government health care program. They want to raise that to $50,000 per family. Ironically those are the same people the Democrats call rich and want to tax more.
The bottom line with this bill is the only two things will change. We will see an increase in cost and we will see a rationing of care. Not one citizen of our great state will save one dollar as a result of this bill. Not one citizen will have better access to their doctors because of this bill.
These “reforms” only put Minnesota on a conveyer belt to government run health care. They are not true reforms.
True reforms would be allowing people more choice. House Republicans stand for freedom and choice. We need to allow people to have the choice of where to buy health care from. If you give people the freedom to choose they will have more choice, and choose the best option for the lowest cost. It promotes competition, which is good for everyone.
Currently in Minnesota four companies control the vast majority of the health care insurance market. It is illegal for Minnesotans to buy health care insurance from Iowa, Wisconsin, or any other state. We need to get rid of that ban. We should let other companies offer health insurance in Minnesota. That will bring down the cost.
True reform also includes being able to afford your health insurance. We should get rid of all of the mandates that are currently in the health insurance system. There is no reason a single male should be forced to be covered for pre-natal care. Allowing people to choose the coverage they want or need will reduce the cost.
We must stand firm against a government take over of health care for several reasons. The first reason is government run health care will result in increased costs or a ration of care. The second being it will force the government to raise taxes. In the bill that I voted against this week, the Health Care Access Fund will be completely drained by 2012 because of the increased cost and health care rationing. Then they will have to raise taxes to cover the expense.
Currently, 92.8% of Minnesotans have health care coverage. That comes out to be 374,000 people who are uninsured. According to the Department of Health 200,000 of the 374,000 are eligible but just don't apply. Democrats think the solution to 174,000 people, out of over 6,000,000 people being uninsured means the government should take it over. That is a solution that will harm everyone.
Let’s get back to the common sense values we all hold: limited government, fiscal responsibility, and stronger families. By sticking with these values we will provide the freedom to choose your own doctor and health care insurance.
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