"Our healthcare system is broken. I believe Illinoisans – and all Americans – deserve better. The only way to achieve meaningful healthcare reform and bring costs down is through a public option that creates real competition in the system."

 - Senator Roland W. Burris

As many people in Illinois and across America know all too well, healthcare costs are spiraling out of control.

Insurance premiums are rising four times faster than wages. The quality and availability of care is declining, and insurance companies routinely drop the coverage of those who need it most. For almost a century, our elected leaders have been trying to bring about reform, but to no avail.

Senator Burris believes inaction is not an option. He is committed to fighting for real, meaningful healthcare reform, and supports President Obama’s call for Congressional action. He believes that any reform proposal must lower costs, prevent companies from dropping patients due to pre-existing conditions, and make quality care affordable and accessible to every single American.

Rising Costs, Declining Outcomes

Over the past nine years, insurance premiums have more than doubled, increasing at a rate four times faster than wages.  In the current economic climate, insurance costs and medical bills have forced far too many American families into bankruptcy. While the rest of us suffer, insurance corporations are posting record profits.

Over 400 insurance company mergers in the past decade have led to markets dominated by a small number of insurers.  In Illinois, two companies dominate 69% of the insurance market.  As competition shrinks, profits skyrocket.  If we compare 10 of the country’s largest insurers between 2000 and 2007, we discover that profits have increased by an average of 428% (based on information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

The Need for a Public Option

A public option would rein in these excessive revenues and would put pressure on companies to improve coverage or risk losing customers.  Put simply, it would restore choice to the insurance industry.

It’s time to restore competition and accountability to the private insurance market.  Under the current system, it is impossible for small, private insurers and state-based co-ops to compete in the insurance marketplace.  A nationally-administered public option, available in all fifty states, would have enough clout to compete with the corporate giants. This would allow millions of people to get health insurance for the first time, and at a reasonable price.

A public plan would improve health outcomes and provide stability and security, because it would allow those who change work, start a business, or lose their jobs to maintain quality, affordable coverage.

A public plan would set its premiums based on the market. It would need to be initially capitalized, but would subsequently rely on the premiums it collects to remain self-sufficient, in accordance with explicit provisions in both the Senate and House proposals. The plan would also be subject to the same solvency requirements as other insurance companies.

Dispelling Myths and Drawing a Line in the Sand

A public option would not result in rationed care or “death panels” of any description. It would not force anyone to change their doctor and would not provide benefits to illegal immigrants. Senator Burris would oppose any measure that would change our health care system in this way.

However, he would also refuse to vote for anything less than the real, meaningful reform a public option would provide. As health reform legislation takes place in the Senate, he will continue to work with his colleagues to ensure that the final bill reflects these priorities.