Health Care Reform

After spending twenty-five years practicing medicine as an Ob/Gyn in North Texas, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D., was first elected to Congress in 2002, and re-elected in 2004, 2006, and most recently in 2008. Dr. Burgess serves on the prestigious House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittee on health care, and recently founded and is Chairman of the Congressional Health Care Caucus.

I am committed to helping the millions of Americans who want health care coverage find it and to lowering costs for everyone. I will not, however, allow that coverage to come in the form of a slow, but inevitable, government takeover of our nation’s health care system. So, instead of giving the federal government more control over Americans’ personal lives, including the health decisions they make, why not empower more Americans? As a physician, I did not like it when private insurance limited my decisions, and I certainly would not welcome the government intruding. Let’s give patients more information so they can make the health decisions that are best for them.

I’d like to make it just as easy for all Americans to go out and shop for health care insurance like we shop for car insurance. Let’s remove the barriers for patients with pre-existing conditions. 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. I know there are several small businesses who would provide health benefits to their employees if it was more affordable to do so.

The federal government should continue to play the role as referee, ensuring performance standards are met and everyone is treated fairly, but then it should get out of the way and let American hard work and ingenuity do what it does best.

Please note: the Alliance does not support or oppose the aforementioned legislation. We believe that it is important for our members to be informed about critical legislation currently being developed by Members of Congress — legislation that could impact you, your business, and your family. We realize that you may agree or disagree with the opinions and ideas presented by legislators. However, it is important that you express your opinions so your voice can be heard. If you would like to speak up about this or other pieces of legislation, click here to contact us and vocalize your opinion.