Senator Tom Daschle on Why Seniors Need Health Care Reform

Can we afford health reform?

To all those critics who say we can't afford health care reform, I would simply say this: we can't afford not to have health care reform. If we do nothing by the year 2029, a typical family of four will dedicate 48 percent of their income to health insurance alone. When I was born, health insurance was 4 percent of GDP. When my children were born, it was 8 percent. When my grandchildren were born, it was 16 percent, and I'm told that by the time my great grandchildren are born, health care will comprise 30 percent of GDP. We simply can't do that if we want to remain competitive in the world today.

How will health reform help seniors?

I think there are many good reasons why every senior in America ought to support health care reform. At long last we're going to close the donut hole so seniors aren't going to be affected by the high drug prices they face in many cases today. We're going to do a lot to eliminate all of the copayments and the costs that are affiliated today with preventative services. We're going to ensure that you get a chance to see the doctor of your choice as we provide for Medicare today, and we're going to eliminate a lot of the unnecessary care that's driving up the cost of Medicare right now. This is a good deal for every senior in America.