Bill Richardson

Bill Richardson is currently in his second term as governor of New Mexico. Before being elected governor in 2002, Richardson was U.S. Representative, Ambassador to the United Nations, and the U.S. Secretary of Energy. He was born November 15, 1947 in Pasadena, California.

Bill Richardson's health care reform plan would provide coverage for all Americans, control and reduce health costs, and improve the quality of care.

Governor Richardson acknowledges that providing health insurance for every citizen will not be easy. But "it is both the right and righteous thing to do," he said in a speech.

Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will be expanded to give lower-income individuals and families easier access to health insurance. Richardson would extend Medicare coverage to Americans who are between the ages of 55 and 64 years old.

Richardson will also create a Heroes Health Card program so all veterans will have guaranteed access to high-quality care.

To make health coverage easier to find, every American will be able to purchase the same comprehensive coverage carried by members of Congress and the president. All insurance companies would be required to accept all applicants, regardless of health history or pre-existing conditions.

Young adults would be able to keep their parents' coverage until they turn 25 years old, even if they are not full-time students.

Businesses would be required to provide health coverage for their employees or pay a penalty to the government.

To pay for his plan, Governor Richardson intends to use the savings of a more efficient system. He believes reform should not require raising taxes. Richardson's plan will cost about $110 billion a year.

"[M]y plan will require that all Americans obtain coverage for themselves and their families. All Americans will be responsible for their fair share," said Governor Richardson.

Richardson's plan also includes more investment in preventive care, the increased use of electronic medical records, evidence-based care, and patient safety.

Source

American Choices: Bill Richardson's Plan for Affordable Health Coverage for All Americans
http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/newsroom/speeches?id=0017

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