Bennett Wants Health Care for All

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) All Americans deserve access to basic health care, according to Utah Senator Bob Bennett. He, like many Republicans, has been resistant to any suggestion of a universal health care plan, but now says he's softened his stance. Bennett is supporting the Healthy Americans Act by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon.

It attempts to guarantee all Americans the same level of health coverage members of Congress receive. The system would not be government-run, but includes regulations that encourage insurers to lower their costs. It offers incentives for employers and health insurance plans that focus on preventative care - and even waives co-pays for certain preventative procedures.

In theory those health prevention efforts will save money long term, but Judi Hilman of the Utah Health Policy Project doubts that better prevention will be enough to lower rising health care costs. Instead, she says the bill should focus on lowering the cost of administrating health insurance.

Hilman says the Wyden bill is a good starting point, but she hopes state officials will continue their own efforts to cover the more than 300-thousand people who are without health insurance in Utah.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW