Cantwell's Opening Statement During Finance Committee Mark-Up

[heybeachnik]

Regardless of whether or not you agree with her solutions, at least she is speaking up against the corporate interests that are sticking it to American citizens.

[urb0123]

We over use health care because it is artificially "cheap" to those of us with insurance or government assistance. Once the insurance premiums are paid, a small co-pay usually pays for the doctor visit. The bottom line for us is the copay, so it doesn't cost us much to visit the doctor. Government programs are even worse since they are free, thus unlimited over use can occur.

[urb0123]

One of the underlying issues is that we as individuals are over using health care. Every time those of us with health insurance use it, it drives up the demand for both health care and health insurance. Any time you increase demand, the market responds by increasing price. The same is true of health care paid for by the state, it increases demand, and thus price.

[urb0123]

In order to stop the inflation of health care costs, you need to understand what is driving those costs. None of the politicians I've listened to have expressed real interest in the underlying reasons. Most of them make assumptions and come up with "solutions" that will only add more problems.

[snseattle]

Thanks for listening to consituents and pushing back on the existing system. Here is a suggestion you should consider in the future. You and your colleagues can accept money from any company, but if you do, you cannot vote on any issues related to their industry. Challenge yourself and your colleagues to get out of the conflict-of-interest business altogether. Please continue to press your colleagues to focus on those of us who don't have expensive lobbyists working on our issues. Thanks, Maria.

[rtante198]

Glad my Senator is bringing real issues to the table.