CT Post: Rell Had Her Reasons, She Just Happens to Be Wrong

The following is an unsigned editorial appearing in the Connecticut Post that urges state legislators to do the right thing and override Governor Rell's veto of the SustiNet and Healthcare Partnership bills:

Override veto on health care

The governor had her reasons.

In vetoing a pair of health plans last week that would have gone a long way toward achieving universal health coverage in Connecticut, Gov. M. Jodi Rell cited costs, especially in the midst of a recession. She said the state couldn't pay for it. And she said the developing situation in Washington might make the whole process moot.

She had her reasons. She just happens to be wrong.

The better of the two plans she vetoed, known as SustiNet, would have created a public insurance plan based around the existing state employee health insurance pool. Critically, the plan would allow anyone to join, regardless of health history, and emphasize proven methods of increasing wellness and efficiency, such as preventive medicine and coordinated care.

The other proposal was not nearly as broad, but would have marked a significant improvement over the status quo. Instead, neither was deemed worthy.

SustiNet's greatest weakness as proposed is that it lacks specifics on funding. Indeed, a large part of Rell's justification sprang from that fact. But this is what the governor forgets: We are already -- all of us -- paying for the flaws in our broken health care system. To pretend we aren't, and that this policy would create spending, rather than redirect it, is to fundamentally misunderstand the issue.

The Legislature is planning a session next week to attempt a veto override. Lawmakers who think our health care system is in drastic need of change must ensure they are present and willing to stand up for their beliefs.

Insurance coverage isn't the only key to improved health outcomes. But that goal is impossible without it. And sitting around waiting for Washington to solve the problem is an excuse for doing nothing.

This country, as a rule, pays exorbitant sums for mediocre health care results. Apparently, some public officials are satisfied with those results.

By overriding the governor's SustiNet veto, our state legislators can prove they are better than that.