Health And Human Services Secretary Stresses Urgency Of Health Care Reform

By Mariko Lamb- Talk Radio News Service

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that in states across the U.S., health care costs are increasing, quality of healthcare is decreasing, and there is “an urgent need for healthcare reform.”

“The time for reform is now,” said Sebelius during a conference call with reporters, “The American people have been calling for reform, and they should not have to wait any longer.”

Sebelius addressed concerns about business owners possibly “dumping” employee health benefits and mandating that their employees pursue the federally provided health care option. Sebelius stated that the bill was crafted to ensure that employers would not be able to exploit the public option.

State-by-state reports on the current status of the percentage of residents without health insurance, quality of health care, and costs of premiums are available at www.healthreform.gov.