Cliff Stearns: “today my colleagues will be getting a letter from me explaining the downfalls of managed competition as offered by our…”

“today my colleagues will be getting a letter from me explaining the downfalls of managed competition as offered by our colleague from Tennessee. As we all know, this concept of reforming our health care system has received much attention and support of late not because of its merits, but because of its compromised nature. Mr. Speaker, the Cooper plan contains elements of the President's plan which will harm the way Americans receive health care. Just ask the Tennessee Valley Authority and the residents in Tennessee. Proponents of managed competition often cite the TennCare plan in Tennessee as an example of where managed competition will lead us. To those of us who question the soundness of managed competition, it is not surprising that Tennesseans are worried about the effects of TennCare. The Cooper plan contains: excessive governmental regulation; community rating; a National Health Board that will decide what benefits all Americans must receive; and higher taxes on employers who wish to provide health benefits which may be more generous than what the National Health Board deems to be necessary. And, oh yes, Mr. Speaker, the Cooper plan will mean less choices, not more choices for our citizens. Mr. Speaker, this bill is more management and less competition. Mr. Speaker, this proposal will not bring good things to life. Just ask General Electric's CEO, Jack Welch.”