Update on Healthcare from one of my Senators (Chamblis-R):Dear Friends:
The House of Representatives passed their version of a health care reform bill last weekend. In the coming weeks, the Senate Democrats are expected to introduce their version of a health care reform bill.
I believe our health care system needs to be reformed so that all Americans have access to affordable, quality care. However, I’m not supportive of a government-run health care plan, or “public option,” and I will not support any legislation that will raise taxes or interfere with the patient-doctor relationship.
Health care reform should focus on keeping decisions between doctors and patients, empowering and entrusting individuals to choose their health care plans, and encouraging competition in all areas of health care. I also believe employees should have the option to take benefits with them when they change jobs. That’s why I’m a cosponsor of S.1099, “The Patients’ Choice Act of 2009,” which was introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., a medical doctor from Oklahoma. This legislation would strengthen the relationship between the patient and the doctor, and uses choice and competition rather than rationing and restrictions to contain costs.
Click here to read my health care reform principles: http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=5240aa49-1aea-4b7a-9eb3-ff20dde4861d&ContentType_id=5c81ba67-be20-4229-a615-966ecb0ccad6&Group_id=29a81778-8944-46e0-a550-9d034534e70aLast Monday, I was a guest on Michael Smerconish’s nationally syndicated radio show.
To listen to the interview, click “play” after clicking here: http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=RadioClips1
Tort Reform Legislation
Last week, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and I introduced legislation to decrease the number of frivolous lawsuits that increase the cost of medical care.
This critical piece of healthcare reform has been missing from every Democratic proposal. While no one with a valid claim for medical malpractice should be denied his day in court, those who bring frivolous lawsuits raise the cost of healthcare for everyone. This 'Loser pays' legislation should go a long way toward discouraging such junk lawsuits and lowering the cost of practicing medicine.
You can read more about this legislation here: http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=85da5098-d649-4d32-8fdc-dd3fadc90c5f&ContentType_id=5c81ba67-be20-4229-a615-966ecb0ccad6&Group_id=29a81778-8944-46e0-a550-9d034534e70a