I am going to try to focus on particular issues within the health care debate, largely because many platitudes are used, but no one gets to the heart of the matter.Today, President Barack Obama goes to talk to the American Medical Association, and will talk about how to reduce costs.  He is at least open [...]

PoliticsThe President has long noted that skyrocketing health care costs will be disastrous for our long term national debt unless we pass real reform. In this Weekly Address, the President also explains how he will cover the upfront costs of reform by eliminating overpayments to Medicaid and Medicare and driving down costs contributing to governments [...]

From the White House blog:The President has long noted that skyrocketing health care costs will be disastrous in terms of our long term national debt unless we pass real reform. In this Weekly Address, the President also explains how he will cover the upfront costs of reform by eliminating overpayments from Medicaid and Medicare and driving down costs contributing to government’s health care expenditures across the board.Full transcript below the fold.Last week, I spoke to you about my commitment to work with Congress to pass health care reform this year. Today, I’d like to speak about how that effort is essential to restoring fiscal responsibility. When it comes to the cost of health care, this much is clear: the status quo is unsustainable for families, businesses, and government. America spends nearly 50 percent more per person on health care than any other country. Health care premiums have doubled over the last decade, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs have skyrocketed, and many with preexisting conditions are denied coverage. More and more, Americans are being priced out of the care they need.These costs are also hurting business, as some big businesses are at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts, and some small businesses are forced to cut benefits, drop coverage, or even lay off workers. Meanwhile, Medicare and Medicaid pose one of the greatest threats to our federal deficit, and could leave our children with a mountain of debt that they cannot pay.We cannot continue down this path. I do not accept a future where Americans forego health care because they can’t pay for it, and more and more families go without coverage at all. And I don’t accept a future where American business is hurt and our government goes broke. We have a responsibility to act, and to act now. That is why I’m working with Congress to pass reform that lowers costs, improves quality and coverage, and protects consumer health care choices.I know some question whether we can afford to act this yea

I guess the President is getting the message on healthcare costs being the biggest issue in the healthcare debate for most people according to the latest polls. He doesn't mince words and he sound like someone who won't let the status quo win the day when it comes to completely overhauling the current, broken system. I just hope it isn't empty rhetoric.From WhiteHouse.gov:Full Transcript:Last

The president says he can help pay for his plan by sharply reducing the government's medical spending, cutting $313 billion over 10 years.Would mainly trim payments to prescription drugmakers, hospitals and other care providers.Click above to watch. Transcript here.

The President has long noted that skyrocketing health care costs will be disastrous in terms of our long term national debt unless we pass real reform.  In this Weekly Address, the President also explains how he will cover the upfront costs of reform by eliminating overpayments from Medicaid and Medicare and driving down costs contributing to government’s health care expenditures across the board.Watch It: