Daschle: Legislators Must Be Moved by Stories to Want to Act

President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services, former Sen. Tom Daschle, has proven that emotions often drive legislative decisions.

In a video posted December 2 on Change.gov, the Web site set up by Mr. Obama’s transition team, Sen. Daschle and health policy colleague Lauren Aronson talked back to those who had posted comments about health care on the site.

After hearing from a nonprofit head who wants to be able to provide health benefits for her part-time employees but can’t afford it, Daschle acknowledged the power of the anecdote.

“Those are the stories that I think have really got to be compelling for legislators. I mean, I know when I was in the Senate, it was stories like that, probably more than all the factual information, that really moved you to want to act,” Daschle said.  

[An aside: One idea stood out from the three-minute video: a commenter’s suggestion of forming a “Health Corps” like the Peace Corps, suggesting students finishing medical and nursing schools could join to “give back to their country.” Daschle said he liked it, and Aronson agreed, saying it was something she wanted to look into.]

According to Daschle, we need stories to persuade legislators that the case for greater consumer choice makes sense.

So where are the stories of consumer-driven health care? 

Send us your stories!

Has your high-deductible insurance plan saved you money? Did a Health Savings Account come through for you in a tough time?

Or, are you stuck in a plan through your employer that you don’t like? Do you live in a state with lots of coverage mandates that drive up the cost of your policy?

Post your stories as comments below, or e-mail them to amy@galen.org. We will share these with Mr. Obama’s transition team.