Harkin: Existing system must be corrected

As Congress gets closer to passing comprehensive health reform, opponents are pulling out the stops to kill it. The status quo is broken for tens of millions of Americans, but it is working just fine for powerful special interests, including health insurance companies.

Predictably, opponents are resorting to scare tactics, misleading ads on TV, and obstruction - including a nationally orchestrated effort to disrupt public meetings with members of Congress.

But they will not succeed. Too many people and businesses are being hurt by the current system.

How would you react if I proposed the following health care plan? It is guaranteed to at least double your insurance premiums over the next 10 years. It fails to cover nearly one in six Americans, with about 70 Iowans losing their coverage every day. It is the most expensive plan in the world, but leaves Americans with twice as much chronic disease as Europeans. It will deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. If you lose your job, you lose your coverage.

Most people would say this is a crazy plan. It is. It's what we've got now.

The reform legislation working its way through Congress will reduce health costs; ensure quality, affordable coverage for nearly every American; create a public insurance option, while protecting individuals' choice of plans and doctors; address the shortage of health care professionals by expanding and creating loan-repayment programs, scholarships and grants to encourage young people to enter the profession; and create a sharp emphasis on wellness and prevention.

Here are things the reformed system will do for everyone, including those who stay with their private health insurance:

l It will ban discrimination for pre-existing conditions.

l It will end exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays. Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps and you will know this before you sign up.

l There will be no co-pays or deductibles for preventive care. Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

l Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

l Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

l Insurance companies will not be allowed to place annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

l Children will continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

l People will have guaranteed insurance renewal as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full.

In addition, our aim is to re-create America as a wellness society focused on healthful lifestyles, good nutrition, plenty of physical activity, and preventing the chronic diseases that take such a toll on our bodies and our budgets. For example, we will require reimbursement for proven, cost-effective preventive services such as cancer screenings, nutrition counseling, and smoking-cessation programs.

Be skeptical of opponents of change who are trying to scare you. Many have a vested interest in the current system. Others simply want President Obama to fail.

We are going to create a reformed insurance and health system that works for all of us, not just the healthy and the wealthy.

Tom Harkin, D-Cumming, is a U.S. senator representing Iowa.