Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Lakewood, released the following statement after meeting today with President Obama and other House members at the White House:
"Unlike his predecessor, President Obama has reached out to hear the concerns and priorities of members on any issue - whether he agrees or not - which is a refreshing approach. Hopes are better than ever for moving forward with legislation to create accessible, affordable, high quality healthcare this year.
"I conveyed to the president that I have strong concerns about our healthcare system, which is one of the most expensive in the world, yet performs poorly and leaves out millions who can't afford it. Working families shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and taking their children to the doctor.
"The president pledged to work with us and asked for our support on healthcare reform, a high priority for him."
The best way to make health insurance more affordable and available is to get the government out of it. Remove the tax benefits for employers to provide health insurance and give those benefits to the individuals who purchase health insurance either as individuals or together in groups of their own choosing. Remove the government restrictions defining what must be covered or not. Allow insurance companies to compete for our business. Left to my own devices I will choose the health insurance that meets mine and my family's needs. Companies that meet those needs at reasonable prices will succeed. Those that do not will fail -- and failing companies should NEVER be bailed out.
The best reform for health insurance is to get the government out of it. Remove the tax benefits for employers to provide health insurance and give those benefits to the individuals who purchase health insurance either as individuals or together in groups of their own choosing. Remove the government restrictions defining what must be covered or not. Allow insurance companies to compete for our business. Left to my own devices I will choose the health insurance that meets mine and my family's needs. Companies that meet those needs at reasonable prices will succeed. Those that do not will fail -- and failing companies should NEVER be bailed out.