Letter From Senator Mark Warner

Dear Mr. _________

Thank you for your recent letter regarding reforming our nation's health care system. I share your concerns about the need for comprehensive health care reform, especially during this challenging economic time.



Although I do not support a government-run single-payer health care system, I believe we need comprehensive reform to achieve a competitive, cost-effective, and efficient system. This effort should be primarily focused on ensuring that all Americans can get adequate health coverage, and the coverage must be cost-effective and based upon data-driven medical standards. We must ensure that competition remains among health care providers because it is precisely that competition that drives innovation and cost reduction in the industry. Any final reform should also include measures to promote prevention and wellness, senior navigation through the health system, health information technology ("health IT") and telemedicine.



The health care reform debate in the Senate will intensify over the coming weeks, with the Finance Committee and Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions reviewing and amending legislation before the bill is debated by the full Senate. Although I do not sit on those Committees, I am actively engaged in drafting legislation to be included in the final package and in discussions with my fellow Senators on improvements we can make to the current bill. Much of the current controversy surrounding reform efforts has been focused on whether the bill should include a public health insurance option. As evidence that there is room to compromise, several alternatives are being discussed ranging from non-profit regional co-operatives to a delayed public option. I will keep your views in mind as we consider these and other proposals.



Thanks again for contacting me. As health care reform in the Senate takes shape, I value your opinions. I recently convened a task force on health IT, the product of a widely-attended conference at VCU, for the purpose of putting Virginia on the cutting edge of health IT. If you would like information about this initiative or my recently-introduced Senior Navigation and Planning Act, please visit my website at: www.warner.senate.gov . As we move forward, I will continue to seek out the advice and opinions of all Virginians in order to help shape an improved health care system that will be in all of our best interests.

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator