Why Washington Isn’t Solving Our Health Care Woes

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Aug. 25, 2000 (Washington) — I predicted at the start of the year that Congress would not enact any significant health care legislation this year. While there is still time for Congress to prove me wrong, I think my prediction will hold up.

The question is, why?

It’s not as if our health care system is perfect. The news wires have been filled this past year with stories about seniors needing help to pay for mandate from voters.

The presidential election is expected to be very close. The House, now controlled by Republicans, could go either way. The Senate is likely to remain in the control of Republicans, but by a narrow margin.

Voters who are concerned about health care issues can influence the politicians most effectively during the election campaign. If you think change is needed, between now and November is the best time to communicate that to the candidates of your choice. If you don’t speak up, then the next Congress will be a repeat of this one — without any legislative changes in how our health care system works.

Wayne L. Pines, WebMD’s Washington columnist, is a former Associate Commissioner and Chief Spokesman of the Food and Drug Administration. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of WebMD.