What editorial writers are saying about health system reform proposals

Newspapers across the country have been examining the pros and cons of reform proposals and the cost of health system reform to the nation. Here is a sampling of opinions.

A strong health reform bill

This [House] bill is clearly not hugely costly. It would expand the government's role in financing and regulating coverage but would also bolster private coverage. It would increase employer-based coverage, mostly by requiring employers to participate. And it would send more clients to the private insurance industry. New York Times, July 15

CBO's curious health care estimates

Democrats and the Congressional Budget Office are dramatically underestimating how much current health care proposals will cost. We have read the House bill and the CBO report about it, and both are setting up taxpayers for an expensive surprise if government health care becomes law. Washington Times, July 23

Health care reform must be true reform

One promising alternative being discussed is the creation of nonprofit health care cooperatives, owned by patient groups with no government ties. Such co-ops would negotiate directly with insurers for low-cost group insurance rates. Oregonian, July 18

Getting health care right is most important

As much as some of us may want to roll the dice and see if reforms will work, we're not at a place where that's a reasonable option, given the trillions in new federal obligations to help prop up the nation's precarious economy. America faces a long-range financial picture significantly different from what Franklin Roosevelt or Lyndon Johnson encountered when they launched Social Security and Medicare, for instance. Dallas Morning News, July 21

Health care reform bill shouldn't kill competition

Until now, there was a lack of political will to get this job done. Today, it'd be tough to find someone who opposes health care reform in this country. Virtually everyone agrees -- albeit for different reasons -- that it's a mess and needs fixing. Even so, if Congress figures out workable reforms for health care, it will be a remarkable feat. Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette, July 23

Momentum on health care reform must continue

As much as Americans need universal coverage, the main focus must be cost containment. The United States can't continue to compete economically when it's spending 17% of its gross domestic product on health care, vastly more than nations that offer far more complete coverage. (San Jose, Calif.) Mercury News, July 18