Congressman discusses federal government's importance in providing healthcare insurance

Aug 24 2009

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the fourth in a series of statements discussing "the public option" throughout American life and why it must be part of health care reform:

The following statement was released today by Congressman Chaka Fattah:

"The notion that the federal government should not be involved in providing healthcare insurance for individuals is on its face ridiculous given the numerous insurances the government is already providing.

"The government provides coverage for a wide range of possible concerns, including crop damage, flood damage, Social Security Disability Insurance, terrorism attacks, mortgage insurance and federal deposit insurance. If critics of the public option refuse to recognize the benefit that it provides to the general public, then those same critics should also demand an end to other vitally important public plans like federal deposit insurance and flood insurance.

"Across the nation, millions of Americans are dependent on the federal government to provide assurances that their needs will be covered in case of emergency or disaster. When adversity strikes, people rely on government insurance programs to sustain them. Successful government-run insurance programs such as Medicare and Social Security are an integral part of the daily lives of millions of Americans, and we are fortunate to have them.

"A government-run public option provides Americans the opportunity to purchase healthcare plans at affordable rates. Those without coverage or without enough coverage should be assured that they will be covered if they are beset by illness.

"The need to reform America's healthcare system is undeniable. A public option is critical to guaranteeing that every citizen has quality, affordable healthcare. Medicare is a public plan that nearly everyone understands and values, proving that dependable and consistent healthcare can be achieved.

"We will not be deterred in our commitment to provide every citizen healthcare coverage and we will not be defeated."

Fattah has called for a March for Healthcare to be held in Washington, DC on September 13 in the favor of the public option.