U.S. Chamber of Commerce - November 14 - U.S. Chamber President Addresses the Need for Comprehensive Health Care Reform

PEORIA, ILLINOIS-U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue spoke out on the health care challenges facing our nation during a major address in Peoria, Illinois. Donohue's speech titled "National Health Care Reform: Opportunity or Crisis?" acknowledged that reforming health care is a competitive challenge unlike any other facing our nation and announced five ideas the Chamber believes must guide any serious health care reform effort.

"Some claim that American health care is in a state of crisis," said Donohue. "In fact, our health care system faces great challenges but also does many things right. We lead the world in health care research and innovation. Most Americans enjoy comprehensive health care benefits and are living longer and better lives than ever before."

In his remarks, Donohue agreed that insuring the estimated 47 million uninsured Americans is important challenge, but emphasized that serious reform must also address the escalating costs of health care for businesses, families, and the government. "Proposals that simply add mandates or move more Americans into government health programs without reducing costs or improving quality are misguided and wrong," he said.

The five core ideas the Chamber believes will lead our nation to more affordable and accessible quality health care include (1) avoiding new health plan and employer mandates that will drive up costs, shrink payrolls, and jeopardize current health benefits; (2) restoring the viability of employer-sponsored health insurance; (3) revitalizing the individual health care market; (4) passing comprehensive medical liability reform while also addressing medical mistakes and outmoded information technology systems; and (5) launching a ground up revolution in wellness and prevention across every segment of society.

"These reforms will reduce the competitive drag on American companies and strengthen our economy" said Donohue. "By building on the strengths of our private health care system - improving quality, affordability, access, and personal health responsibility -- we can make a real difference in people's lives starting today."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.