John Kerry's plan to strengthen America’s health care system

Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry Wednesday addressed the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 2004 Convention and discussed his innovative plan to strengthen America’s health care system, cutting costs for businesses and families and protecting patients from HMO misconduct with a real Patients’ Bill of Rights.

With the Supreme Court striking down patients’ rights laws this week and a President in the White House who blocked a bipartisan effort to pass a Patients’ Bill of Rights in Congress, Kerry began today by saying the American people deserve a President who will stand up for them, not HMOs and insurance companies.

“It is time we passed a Patients’ Bill of Rights,” Kerry said. “The Supreme Court’s decision was not a good day for more than 140 million Americans who count on HMOs for their medical care. Three years ago, we passed a bipartisan, enforceable Patients’ Bill of Rights. It is time for us to pass it again, for the House to pass it and for the President to sign it. We can do this together.”

Since George W. Bush took office, rising health care costs have squeezed families across this country and priced many individuals out of the health care market. The cost of family health insurance has increased by almost 50 percent for employees – a total premium increase of more than $2,600. A recent Families USA report revealed that 82 million Americans were uninsured at some point during the past two years, with four out of five uninsured Americans coming from working families.

Kerry’s health care plan takes an innovative approach to solving this crisis. It will cut costs, strengthen coverage and expand access to millions of adults and all children.

“I don’t have to tell you there’s a health care crisis in America, because you’ve seen it and you’ve lived it,” Kerry said. “This administration still has no plan to solve our health care crisis. I do.”

Under the Kerry plan, workers will save up to $1,000 in premium relief. Families will have the opportunity to buy into the same health plan available to members of Congress. This plan will give Americans more choices for high-quality affordable health care – providing better coverage at lower prices. Kerry’s plan will provide tax credits to make these plans more affordable for individuals and small businesses, including generous tax credits for those who need them the most.

As part of his commitment to strengthening America through technology and innovation, Kerry’s plan will use technology to cut waste and lower health care costs while at the same time improving quality. It will reward providers for investing in technology and take steps to reduce error and streamline paperwork.

As President, Kerry will also push Congress to finally pass a real Patients’ Bill of Rights – one that allows Americans to hold HMOs accountable for decisions that harm patients by denying necessary medical care.

“When America sees a problem or a great possibility, it is in our collective character to set our sights on the horizon and not stop working until we get there,” Kerry said “It is time to solve the health care crisis in our nation.”