“We have the highest-quality health care system in the world, but no one in Washington is saying we do not need health care reform. We must improve our health care delivery system by expanding access and working to lower the number of uninsured Americans.

“As the health care debate continues, I believe we must put patients first and that folks should have the ability to choose their own physician and their own health insurance plan. This goal is realistic and achievable. Patients should not be forced to enroll in any particular health plan, and I will continue to support health care reform that puts patients and their health first and protects the important doctor-patient relationship.”

Luetkemeyer supports increasing access to insurance, including reforms that would make it easier to transfer care from one job to another. He also believes we should consider requiring health insurers to cover pre-existing conditions and look at health care tax credits to ensure that hard-working folks have access to affordable health care in the first place. Luetkemeyer also backs allowing dependents to remain on their parents’ health policies up to the age of 25.