Ben Nelson's response:

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this critical issue.



As you know, one of the greatest economic concerns our nation faces - across the age spectrum - is access to affordable health care. Those who are insured continue to be hit by the spiraling costs of health care premiums, which have increased by 78 percent since 2001, while income only increased by 19 percent. Recent reports predict that health care costs may rise by approximately 9 percent again next year.



Transforming our health care delivery system and lowering the cost of care are the most important goals of reform. We must begin paying for value rather than volume, and contain costs to make health care more affordable for all Americans without compromising quality. Congress took a step forward with the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, P.L. 111‑5, which made a downpayment on advancing health information technology and comparative effectiveness research, giving patients access to improved health records and better evidence about which medical treatments may best serve their needs.



I have been pleased to see a consensus develop around insurance reforms that will help ensure affordability and strengthen coverage and choice for those with insurance, and ultimately cover millions who cannot obtain coverage today. Guaranteeing affordable coverage, eliminating pricing based on health status, and no longer excluding individuals due to pre-existing conditions will provide American families with reliable and secure health care. I believe meaningful health reform is within reach, and the President and Congress must find common ground to improve care by lowering cost and expanding access, while not worsening the deficit.



I truly appreciate hearing from Nebraskans such as yourself on such a crucial issue. In many of my recent weekends at home, I have made it a priority to meet with others from our state, including patients, caregivers, doctors, nurses, small and large business owners, and health reform advocates, to hear their views as well. As we move ahead, I will continue this dialogue; and I remain committed to working in a constructive, bipartisan manner to do all I can to ensure that the ultimate reforms are the right ones.


Thank you again for contacting me. Congress needs the input of all Americans to solve such an important issue, and I believe we can come together as a nation and collectively confront this shared challenge.


Sincerely,

Ben Nelson
U.S. Senator