Health Reform - Congress Should Move Cautiously

As the health care debate continues in Congress, we agee that reform is needed, but our elected representatives should be very careful to ensure that changes are beneficial. Escalating health care costs are a problem, and all citizens should have quality care available to them. However, each person should be entitled to the insurer of their choice. Health care reform should not stifle the options that our citizens now enjoy. In a perfect world, the process should become a non-partisan effort so that the best legislation possible can be created. However, there are no signs that this will happen.

The State Grange opposes government financed abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, endangered health of the mother, or serious defects of the fetus.

We believe that provisions should be included in health reform that would address the need for doctors to establish in rural areas.

The State Grange opposes any cuts to the Medicare program, reduction of Medicare benefits, or increases in charges for Medicare coverage.

The medical malpractice system is being abused, and any efforts toward reform must include reasonable limits on liability settlements.

We are concerned about the creation of monopolies as part of business practices in our country. Current reform efforts have the potential for a government health plan to become a monopoly. If a government option is approved, proper safeguards should be placed into effect that would prevent a government plan from becoming so large that existing providers are forced out of business.

The State Grange believes that the federal budget should be balanced. Health care reform should not in any way deter the ability of our country to achieve a balanced budget.

Finally, the State Grange opposes federal regulation of insurance companies. Control of these companies should fall within the state(s) in which they operate.