McCook Daily Gazette: Column: Sen. Ben Nelson: Health bill controls costs

There is no doubt that the Senate Health Care Reform bill has caused controversy with attacks coming from both sides. Some think it goes too far, others think it doesn't go far enough. Like is so often the case, there are many in the middle who have contacted me and are pleased we are doing something because they understand that the system needs to be repaired.

Among those who have contacted me are some of the 220,000 Nebraskans who don't have health insurance, which includes people who can't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

Saves Billions of Dollars

Others who've contacted me are worried about escalating premiums that all but wipe out their pay raises, if they got a pay raise. For them, it needs to be pointed out that the bill saves us money. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will save $132 billion over the first 10 years and as much as $1.3 trillion over the second 10 years until 2029.

It lowers costs because it is fully paid for and includes $447 billion returned to middle class Americans in tax credits to help make insurance more affordable.

Changing the Way to Cover the Uninsured

Today Nebraskans pay about 15 percent more for insurance to cover the costs when the uninsured seek medical treatment they can't pay for at clinics and emergency rooms. This cost shifting will dramatically drop, reducing premium increases for all Nebraskans.

Nebraska's small businesses will have access to a new Small Business Health Options Program. They can pool together for better insurance coverage, and they will receive tax credits to help them cover employees.

Tax Credits for Small Business

Currently 70 percent of Nebraska small businesses cannot afford or do not have access to health insurance. Small business health insurance tax credits will make health insurance more affordable for an estimated 33,000 Nebraska small businesses.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will be able to test various different payment structures designed to foster patient-centered care, improve quality, and slow the rate of Medicare cost growth. Nebraska has a model for that at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

The bill provides grants for doctors serving in rural areas so people living in rural Nebraska will continue to have access to treatment.

The bill offers tax relief for health professionals participating in state-funded student loan repayment programs. It creates the same tax exemption used for the federal loan repayment program for state-funded programs not eligible under current federal guidelines. This will help doctors and nurses serve in rural areas.

It moves toward closing the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, saving thousands in medicine costs for 48,000 Nebraskans.

The Senate bill permits states to join together to allow private insurance to be purchased across state lines, which is a big deal that will improve competitiveness. It requires the Office of Personnel Management to negotiate contracts, just like they do for the various private health plans available to Members of Congress offered by insurance companies such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Like great legislation of the past, including Social Security, Medicare, and Civil Rights, history will likely show that health care reform was the right thing to do.

So this is some paper out of nebraska? This is the best, simple explanation of the health care I've seen. I will email this to as many people as possible.

-- Posted by ksamuels on Tue, Jan 19, 2010, at 6:30 PM

If anyone believes that a government program will come in on projected budget and will actually save money I have a bridge I would like to sell you.

Simple way to controll costs.

Tort reform something missing entirely from this bill.

Allow all insurance companies to compete across state lines. Car insurance is competitive and I can shop mine around, recedntly saving over 200 dollars a year. Why not give us this option.

Enforce Immigration laws and stop allowing people to use emergency rooms as their healthcare providers.

It may all be academic at this point with the election in Masssachussets. Democrats are waking up this morning worried especially the so called moderates.

-- Posted by Chaco1 on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 10:15 AM

Yep what a great morning, the dem's are running for the hills as we speak. As for you Mr Nelson, I hope you enjoy your last two years as a senator!

-- Posted by remington81 on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 10:37 AM

Suck it up, Bendover! You are no longer the main attraction in the ObamaCare parade! All the attention now goes to Sen Snowe, who will soon be attending the "Harry and Nancy Let's Make a Deal" show!

By the way, how was the pizza?

-- Posted by Joe Buck on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 10:56 AM

Senator Ben, I fear you may be still barking up the wrong tree. You speak of 'Savings' from what Health care now costs, but Congress has already proven itself a liar. Monies were borrowed to 'Bail-Out' (apx 800 billion), which was promised would be used to pay down the loan made to be able to 'Bail-out.' Now, we see our Congress looking for ways to spend the 'Returned Bail-Out' monies, on 'other' inspirational projects, contrary to 'Promise.'

OK, the money 'Saved,' will it be saved, or will it be used as 'Base funds' to spend elsewhere, incurring yet greater debt??

I do not know how it is done, but it seems that every Representative we send to Congress goes insane with spending nonexistent money, on PORK-BARREL/EARMARK projects that some 'Staffer' wants to make a 'Big-Name' for themselves with, at your signature, and responsibility.

Shame on you all!

May the Lord Rebuke you all, for what you are doing to this country, and the whole world.

Congress, Sacrifice the USA, if you will, and are trying to do, yet the onus of your acts rests fully upon your shoulders. May Jesus forgive.

Arley

-- Posted by Navyblue on Wed, Jan 20, 2010, at 6:49 PM