Tracy Potter on Health Care

ObamaCare isn't perfect, but a step in the right direction

Hoeven didn't say if he would repeal the federal health care plan, but said it needed to be fixed with tort reform and the ability for people to pick their own doctor and insurance. He also said the issue showed a clear difference between the two men and criticized Potter for supporting--while deputy insurance commissioner in the late 1970s--a "Canadian-style, single-payer'' plan. "He truly believes the federal government should run your health care. I don't,'' said Hoeven.

Reform brings $650 million to the state health care industry

Democrat Potter doesn't support repealing the law. He says there are wonderful provisions and it will bring $650 million to the state health care industry.

Republican Hoeven calls the legislation a $500 billion tax increase and cut in Medicare. He wants reform to crack down on problem, but says people should pick their own providers and companies and more competition is needed across state lines

Health care is a human right, despite high cost

One thing I know is that in the US we spend almost twice as much per capita than any other nation on health care, but our results don't measure up. We rank poorly in life expectancy, preventable deaths from treatable illness, mothers dying in childbirth and infant mortality. We rank 39th in the world in babies dying in their 1st year of life.

The step our congressional delegation took will improve those rankings, but they know that it was an uncertain step. It will be amended, challenged and enhanced in coming years. I can be of assistance--following four simple principles:

1. that health care is human right for all Americans,
2. that everyone is free to choose their own doctor,
3. that doctors are free to practice independently, and
4. that costs must be contained before they destroy our economy.