Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus gave remarks at a hearing, it was announced Wednesday, where he argued the need for health care reform.
"We need immediate action on health care reform," Baucus said. "Health care reform is not a distraction from addressing the economy. Health care reform is central to restoring America's economy."
The Democrat stated, "Health care costs and the economy are linked: The key challenges of our health care system are high costs, low quality, and insufficient access. Those challenges have a direct effect on family budgets. They have a direct effect on American businesses and their ability to compete. And they have a direct effect on government spending."
"The economic downturn means more individuals could lose health coverage for themselves and their families," Baucus argued. "And that's at a time when savings are low and credit card debt and medical costs are high. Medical bills could force a growing number of families into bankruptcy."
In order to reform the health care system, Baucus said, "We must ensure meaningful coverage and care to all Americans" and must also "emphasize higher quality, greater value, and less-costly care."
He also said the reform should "contain an absolute commitment to weed out waste, eliminate overpayments, and design sustainable financing that works for taxpayers as well as the nation's recipients and providers of health care."
Baucus did concede that reforming the health care system would cost money, but argued, "investments now will reap savings a decade from now. And spending now will also provide needed stimulus for the economy, as well."
In closing his remarks, Baucus said, "Let us rebuild the economy and bring affordable, meaningful health coverage to all Americans."
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