Patt: You worked to get health insurance coverage for autism into the healthcare reform law. Why do you now oppose a reform you were a part of three years ago?
e: It started out as a legitimate attempt at healthcare reform but it became an attempt at health insurance reform, two very different things.
Patt: If you don't have health insurance you probably don't get healthcare.
e: True, but both systems need to be reformed. I do consider myself an expert on this. [Covering] preexisting conditions — we absolutely need that. I'm no fan of what I've seen health insurance companies do. I believe in "repeal and replace." Here's the problem. You cannot get true healthcare reform unless you rectify the underlying principles, and that goes back to the federal tax code, [which gives] preferential treatment to large companies. Small businesses and individuals simply cannot compete for coverage. You can either take away the special tax treatment and let the market jump in, or you can do a more equitable tax treatment for everyone.
Patt: Why do you have faith Congress would "replace" if it did "repeal"? What can one senator do?
e: As a single senator, not only can I ensure there is a replacement, we [will] create better coverage for individuals. Not only will I get it done, I believe I will be a leader in the conversation. I give you Sen. Tom Coburn [R-Okla.], who by the way I believe is wrong on a lot — that guy has held up more things. I'm very successful at what I've done. I didn't get there by folding my arms and saying no. I know how to maneuver around these obstacles. Give me a shot.
