Sometimes if people say something often enough, it seems true. That's what many have been doing in misrepresenting a bipartisan bill to guarantee health-insurance coverage to 80,000 Michigan children. We must set the record straight as Congress has another chance this week to do the right thing and approve this common-sense legislation.

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Those who oppose the plan have resorted to myths. They say this proposal will allow illegal immigrants to receive coverage. In fact, the bill specifically says, "No federal funding for illegal aliens." Period.

It is also untrue to say families making $83,000 a year will be eligible. New York once applied for a waiver for families at that level, but it was denied. The bill maintains current eligibility requirements, which means that Michigan children from families earning less than $41,000 would qualify. "Wealthy" families would not take advantage of this program. See for yourself by visiting the nonpartisan FactCheck.org.

The notion that this bill will result in "socialized medicine" also doesn't hold water. In Michigan, the MIChild program is run by a network of private health-care providers. By extending the coverage to an additional 25,000 kids, the same private network will be used.

This approach could even save our country money in the long run because families without health coverage often turn to the more-expensive emergency room for care. It's true this version spends more than the president would like, but it is not nearly as much as the $12 billion per month we spend in Iraq.

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As elected officials, we make tough choices. I recently voted for a budget solution that protects health-care access, even supporting cuts and reforms that traditional Democratic interest groups didn't support. It's time for Rep. Walberg to make a choice that shouldn't be so tough.

Labels: Health Care, Issues, Mark Schauer, Tim Walberg

posted by Fitzy  # 12:32 PM