CongressmanBob Goodlatte

Have you ever been floating on a raft, enjoying a day at the pool or on the river, only to find there was a leak? You patch it, but soon after another hole bursts through, followed by another, and another. At what point do you realize the raft just needs to be scrapped and a new one purchased?

For six years, Americans have struggled with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I opposed this costly, overly-complex, big government plan, which you might know as Obamacare, from the start. But Speaker Pelosi even told the supporters of this bill that they would have to pass it to find out what is in it, and the verdict has been less than favorable for many hard working families.

As the dust has settled on this monstrosity of a law, health care plans have changed, premiums have risen for many, taxes have been levied, and far too many Americans have been left with little choice for quality, affordable health care. We’ve seen delays of the implementation of certain enrollment dates and mandates. We’ve seen the start date for certain burdensome taxes pushed back. But like the raft riddled with holes, it is clear that all of the patches in the world won’t save this sinking ship. When will this Administration realize there is a better way? It’s time to start over.

One plank of the “A Better Way” agenda put forth by House Republicans does just that. The recently released agenda, which is available online at better.gop, includes our ideas, step-by-step, to create a health care system that improves every American’s access to the care they need.

This agenda has over 40 ideas for health care reform – ideas to expand consumer choice and lower costs, provide consumer protection, lead the world in developing cures, and preserve Medicare. Common sense ideas for a refundable tax credit for those without access to employer coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid as well as the ability to purchase a health care plan across state lines are two simple policies that can empower individuals to make their own choices about health insurance.

Increasing premiums, breaking promises that folks could keep the insurance coverage they liked, more than $1 trillion dollars in new taxes, and subsequent delays and patches that have tried to keep this sinking ship afloat all point to the fact that it’s time to get a new plan. Ultimately, health care is one of the most personal decisions you make, and your health care plan should put you first. We don’t need more top down mandates from the federal government. Health care that focuses more on the patient as well as choice, lower costs, and greater flexibility is the answer. The ideas put forth by House Republicans represent a better way for the future of our health care system.