Politics | health care Kennedy: An Outline for Health-Care Reform Sen. offers 5 key elements of coming legislation By Matt Cantor Posted May 28, 2009 1:11 PM CDT Copied Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., listens as President Barack Obama speaks on health reform at the White House, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo) The US health-care system that “shortchanges millions of Americans” is “about to change,” writes Ted Kennedy in the Boston Globe. The senator lays out five key elements of legislation he’s working on with “colleagues on both sides of the aisle”: Americans will have “better choices for health insurance” as legislation creates contact “gateways” that will help people decide what coverage is best, including current plans or “new, more affordable options.” Cost-cutting is essential: “We'll start paying for the overall quality of care, not the quantity of procedures.” Legislation will focus on prevention: “We'll promote early screening for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression,” and distribute more information about staying healthy. New measures will help disabled and elderly Americans afford to “live at home and function independently.” Health-care professionals will get the training they need, with emphasis on “primary care and basic prevention.” Read These Next "Admiral Piett" of the Star Wars universe died from COVID. Trump voter who supported mass deportations could be deported herself. Shooter opens fire on Texas Border Patrol Rescuer in floods gets a poignant question. Report an error