[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. COBURN (for himself, Mr. Burr, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Chambliss, 
        Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Inhofe):
  S. 1099. A bill to provide comprehensive solutions for the health 
care system of the United States, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Finance.
  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the pressing issue 
of health care in America. Millions of Americans go without health 
insurance each year. Especially during these tough economic times, many 
families are looking to Washington to fix the health care crisis in 
this country.
  This year, Congress is poised to make significant changes to our 
health care system. Ultimately, the American people want solutions that 
work. In that vein I am pleased to join today with my colleague, 
Senator Coburn, to introduce, S. 1099, the Patients' Choice Act. It 
will start to build a health care system that is responsive to 
patients' needs and conscious of their budgets.
  As we developed the framework of the Patients' Choice Act, we had to 
think about what would truly transform the failing health care system 
in America right now. Typically, the problems with our health care 
system relate to cost, quality, and our inability to make important 
lifestyle interventions before treatable symptoms become chronic 
conditions. With that thought in mind, Senator Coburn and I set out to 
reform our health care system so it met the following requirements. We 
believe that any truly transformational health care plan must guarantee 
that every American can get affordable coverage.
  It must demand more value for our health care dollar instead of 
imposing a new tax or passing on a new obligation to future 
generations.
  It must transform the health care system so that we focus on keeping 
people healthy and well instead of only treating them when they are 
sick.
  It must make health coverage affordable for those with pre-existing 
conditions.
  It must end the current discrimination in the tax code that benefits 
the wealthy and corporations but fails the poor and those who can't get 
coverage through their employer.
  It must ensure that health care is accessible when people want it, 
where people want it.
  It must be sustainable so that it will be there for future 
generations.
  We believe the Patient's Choice Act will meet all of these 
requirements. The bill focuses on 6 key areas: preventing disease and 
promoting healthier lifestyles; creating affordable and accessible 
health insurance options; equalizing the tax treatment of health care; 
establishing transparency in health care price and quality; and 
ensuring compensation for injured patients.
  S. 1099 transforms health care in America by strengthening the 
relationship between the patient and the doctor and relying on choice 
and competition rather than rationing and restrictions. In doing so, we 
can ensure universal, affordable health care for all Americans.
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