re:  Reform act puts patients in charge of health care

Apparently, Congressman Gene Green still hasn't read the health care "reform" law that began taking effect on September 23 — there's no other way that he could genuinely make a claim that the 2000-plus pages of taxes, mandates, and prohibitions puts anyone other than the government in charge of health care in America.

If the consumer were being put in control, we'd be able to purchase only the health insurance we want and need, rather than what politicians and pencil-pushing bureaucrats tell us we have to have.  If consumers were in control, we'd be able to purchase across state lines, or voluntarily form groups to negotiate better deals, or get the same tax benefit buying as individuals that employers get.  If individuals were in control, we'd be able to continue using our medical savings accounts for over-the-counter medications, instead of having to switch to costlier prescription drugs.

None of those things are possible under the so-called "Patients Bill of Rights"; instead, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is really a "Government Bill of Restrictions" on individuals and families that is already resulting in price increases and dropped coverage options for students, children, and consumers.  A true "Bill of Rights" protects individuals against government; this health care "reform" restricts individuals to the whimsy of government.

Sincerely,
Dave Smith
Houston, TX