by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX)

When I was a practicing physician, I had patients with the best private health insurance available as well as patients with Medicare and Medicaid. I have seen what works and what doesn’t.

Meaningful reform should make it easier for Americans to shop for health care insurance, just like we shop for car insurance.  Let’s reform the tax code so that it treats small businesses, families and individuals looking for health care insurance the same way it treats big companies.  Let’s remove the barriers for patients with pre-existing conditions, and let’s allow patients to shop across state lines.

Medical liability reform is an important area that is largely ignored by Democrats.  President Obama has proposed “demonstration projects,” but these are not needed, because the President should look no farther than to Texas for what should be the national model for how it is done right.  A few of the impressive accomplishments of Texas’ 2003 reforms include:

• Texas has licensed over 15,000 new physicians. This is a 36 percent increase from pre-reform. 
• Thirty-three rural counties have seen a net gain in ER doctors, including 26 counties that previously had none.
• After years of decline, the ranks of medical specialists are growing in Texas.
• In my field of obstetrics, Texas saw a net loss of 14 obstetricians in the two years preceding reform. Since then the state has experienced a net gain of 192 obstetricians, and 26 rural counties have added an obstetrician, including ten counties that previously had none. 
• Charity care rendered by Texas hospitals has increased by 24 percent, resulting in $594 million in free care to Texas’ patients. 
• Texas physicians have saved $574 million in liability insurance premiums, a significant savings that has allowed more doctors to stay in their practice.

The improvements in Texas have allowed physicians to return to the state or their practice, and this is good for patients.

Instead of the proposed individual insurance mandate, which would force Americans to buy a product that they may not want or like, why not create products that consumers want?  I have a Health Savings Account, and it gives me flexibility and control over how my health care dollars are spent.  Reforms should focus more on giving Americans what they want, not telling them what they should have.

To say that Republicans have no ideas, but rather oppose any reforms and defend the status quo, is untrue.  I have found the Democratic Party to be the “Party of No.”  Despite my numerous offers to the President and others, to be part of the process and offer legitimate ideas, I have been repeatedly rebuffed.

Our country was founded on “we the people,” not “we the elected officials in air-conditioned offices in Washington, DC.”  When it comes to health care, should the federal government help Americans find the plan that works for them, or control the plan?  America has spoken, and our citizens do not want more government control. 

Congressman Michael C. Burgess is a physician and represents the 26th district of Texas.