It is tragic that health care costs are the number one source of both credit card debt and personal bankruptcy, while many lose coverage at the time they need it most. Instead of pouring more money into a failed system, I believe that offering more people the choice of a public plan like Medicare will spur real competition among private insurances. The health care bill is about greater individual choice, more competition, and limiting spiraling health care costs. Every American will have the choice to receive coverage from his or her employer or seek coverage through the Health Insurance Exchange. Within the Exchange, a person may decide to enroll in a private plan or a public option. With health reform, people will have more affordable options from which to choose. 

To listen to part of my discussion in the Ways and Means Committee markup on the importance of a public option to increase competition and bring down health care costs, please click here.