House Republicans Announce Health Care Plan

By Joseph Russell- Talk Radio News Service

Leading House Republicans announced a desire to work diligently with House Democrats on comprehensive health care reform legislation. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) asserted that both parties have similar goals for health care reform, including providing access to millions of Americans without health insurance. The disagreement arises from the price tag, Boehner claimed.

Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) echoed Boehner, adding that government insurance is too costly and there are better avenues to achieve health care goals. “We are prepared to be engaged in the process,” Cantor said. “If Democrats mean what they say, we’ll reach a solution.”

The Republicans said they want legislation that allows Americans to keep the health care they already have and prefer, while addressing the problems of access and out-of-control costs. The Republicans claim their plan meets immediate needs, while also addressing costs over the long term.

Few specifics were offered, as Republicans have yet to hammer out details with their Democrat counterparts. However, one tenet that Republicans called “essential” is tax credits that allow individual ownership of health care insurance.

Most Congressional Republicans are opposed to government-run health insurance, and with recent numbers showing the high costs and limited effectiveness of current proposals, the Republican minority’s proposal for comprehensive health care reform may have a shot at majority support.