Guiding principles for health care reform

During the annual August break from Washington I will be traveling throughout Nebraska holding public meetings on health care reform. I have already heard from thousands of Nebraskans and these public meetings will give me a chance to hear from many more. It's important to listen to their comments and suggestions because whatever plan is finally proposed must work for Nebraska.

I will not support anything until I have seen everything and there is no final proposal at this time that has the president's support. The following are some general principles that will guide me along the way.

Control Costs

We must bring ever increasing costs under control. From 2001 to 2007, premiums for family insurance coverage increased 78 percent while income increased just 19 percent, with inflation consuming these wages at a rate of 17 percent. This is an unsustainable path, threatening the American dream and jeopardizing our global competitiveness.

Private market solutions

While some have called for establishing a public plan, I believe we cannot effectively resolve our health care crisis if Congress becomes weighted down by partisan bickering on the margins. There is a growing consensus on simplifying and guaranteeing access to affordable coverage, eliminating insurers' ability to deny coverage or charge higher premiums because of preexisting conditions, investing in health care workforce issues, and improving the delivery of care.

It would be ill-advised to sacrifice the advancements which have been made on these critical issues by seeking a big government-run option that would pull Americans away from coverage they have now, with little more to offer than cosmetic improvements.

Employer-based system

Preserving employer involvement is one of the single greatest ways to avoid destabilizing the coverage Americans currently have. Employers help individuals navigate the insurance market, negotiate and advocate on their behalf, and help pay premiums.

State-Based Regulation

The state-based regulatory system provides local accountability and is an operational component from which Americans all stand to lose if it is dismantled or deteriorated.

Access portals

We need to empower individuals with transparent information about their health care coverage by creating state-based access portals, so they can easily compare co-pays, networks, provider quality measures and access to medical records, ultimately making more informed decisions about the coverage they deserve.

Encouraging healthful living and caring for chronic disease

Each of us must take personal responsibility for our own health and America's health care system should provide individuals with improved tools and service to make better decisions about their wellness.

Elements For Reform

There is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding this issue and people have a right to be concerned. My goal, as the independent Nebraskan who has served you as governor and senator is to ensure that the final plan will reduce costs, increase quality, expand coverage to those unable to get it while not undermining the insurance 200 million Americans now have without raising taxes or adding to the deficit. It's a tall order but it can be accomplished if all of us work together.