Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, testifying at her first Congressional hearing Wednesday, stoutly defended President Barack Obama's reform plans.
Testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, she receiving nods of support from Democrats and skepticism from some Republicans.
In opening remarks, Sebelius said America spends more on healthcare than it does on housing or food.
"Rising health costs represent the greatest threat to our long-term economic stability," she said, in calling for reform this year. "The current situation is unaffordable, unsustainable and unacceptable."
Though Congress will ultimately determine the final details of reform legislation, Sebelius said the Obama administration would like to see measures to:
- reduce the long-term growth of healthcare costs for businesses, government and families;
- protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of healthcare costs;
- guarantee choice of doctors and health plans;
- make sure that Americans who lose or change jobs can keep their coverage;
- end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions;
- assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans;
- make important investments in prevention and wellness;
- and improve patient safety and the quality of care in America.
Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.), the ranking member of the committee, said he could agree with much of the Obama plan, especially lowering healthcare costs and allowing Americans to choose their own doctors. He urged bipartisan cooperation on issues that may be difficult for many Republicans, including a deep concern that a public plan would put private plans out of business.
Sebelius, who served as the Kansas health insurance commissioner for eight years, said she can assure that pubic options do not threaten the stability of private plans. Kansas offers a public plan as a second choice to its state employees, as do 30 other states, she said.
In response to Republican concerns about a public option creating unfair advantage, Sebelius said, "we already have an unlevel playing field, with private plans cherry picking to make a profit. That doesn't work in a health insurance exchange any more than giving public plans huge government subsidies. If the rules are the same for both, it can work to drive a very important competitive situation."
Sebelius reassured Republicans that Obama doesn't want to see employee-sponsored health insurance weakened in any way, nor is he pushing for a single-payer, government-run health plan for all Americans.
The Ways and Means hearing comes as Congress is beginning preliminary discussions on comprehensive health reform legislation they hope to finalize by next fall, according to Congressional leaders.