Congress Breaks for August...But the Health Care Reform Debate Continues

(Photo courtesy of US FWS)

The U.S. House of Representatives recessed last Friday for the month of August and the U.S. Senate plans to recess this Friday. Prior to their departure, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a health care reform plan that has raised concerns among many Americans. 

A USA Today/Gallup poll shows that only 26% of Americans believe health care reform will improve their personal medical care and only 21% believe it will expand their access to health care.  That's unfortunate when the purpose of health care reform, which GSK supports, is to increase access to better health care for Americans while lowering the costs.  The poll showed that only 18% of Americans believe a new health care reform law would reduce their personal costs.  Clearly, many Americans aren't happy with their first glimpse of where Congress is leading health reform.

While a House committee hustled to approve a health reform plan before the August recess, the Senate has moved much slower and does not plan to release any of the details of their negotiations.  Whether you agree with the House's eagerness to show America that progress is being made or you think the Senate is taking the right approach by moving slowly and more methodically, everyone agrees that something must be done to improve our country's health care system.  It is expected that Members of Congress will hear a lot about health reform from their constituents over the August break.  Let's hope they come back to Washington in September ready to debate and ultimately pass a reform bill that increases access, lowers costs, and promotes innovation.