Congressman Dan Burton On Healthcare

Congressman Burton let his followers know he filled out a questionnaire on health care and it is posted for all to see HERE.

On his view of the health care system in general he believe significant changes are needed.

On addressing the cost of healthcare:

“I believe we can make a serious dent in health care costs if we focus on three initiatives; ending the medical liability crisis through reasonable limits on non-economic and punitive damages; reducing overhead through updated medical billing codes and greater use of digital health care records; and, lowering prescription drug costs through an international market regime (sometimes called reimportation) – with appropriate safeguards to ensure the pedigree of the drugs from manufacturer to consumer. In the interim, tax breaks – such as credits or deductions for health insurance premiums - and savings initiatives like Medical Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can help more Americans purchase health insurance and take control of their health care dollars.”

[Emphasis Mine - ed.]

[More below the fold]

On agreeing or disagreeing that it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure all Americans have basic health care coverage Congressman Burton DISAGREED and stated:

“I do not support a government run health care program. Many people fear, and I believe rightly, that a government-run health care system will take away their freedom of choice in medical care, force them to pay huge new “health-care” taxes, and eliminate medical and personal privacy. Americans do not want government attorneys and government bureaucrats - who are not medically trained - controlling what treatments and tests their doctor will be allowed to give them.”

Congressman Burton also feels the prescription drug plan for Seniors is “somewhat working.”

You can read the remainder of the Congressman’s answers at the linked article.