Kevin Roberts: “Simply put, Dr. Berwick has a long history of interesting statements--pertinent statements--that support government…”

“Simply put, Dr. Berwick has a long history of interesting statements--pertinent statements--that support government rationing of health care, an issue I have vigorously fought against throughout the entire health care debate. The White House response to our colloquy, it seems to me, was most unfortunate, if not rather incredible. Here is what the Obama administration had to say: No one is surprised that Republicans plan to use this confirmation process to trot out the same arguments and scare tactics they hoped would block health insurance reform. The fact is, rationing is rampant in the system today, as insurers make arbitrary decisions about who can get the care that they need. Dr. Don Berwick wants to see a system in which those decisions are transparent--and that the people who make them are held accountable. This is a fascinating response. Instead of flatout denials of government rationing, we have excuses. If you read between the lines, you will notice that for the first time ever in this debate, the Obama White House is admitting their health care plan will ration health care. It just doesn't make it transparent.”