Oklahoma lawmaker due credit for continuing health care discussion

Obamacare is making consumer-friendly, cost-cutting health care reform more difficult to achieve — even as it drives up insurance rates. The New York Times recently noted some customers are facing double-digit premium increases, with the hardest-hit being small businesses and people who don't have employer-provided insurance. Mark Bertolini, the CEO of Aetna, has warned that premiums could rise 20 percent to 50 percent; some consumers may see rates surge as much as 100 percent. Many consumers may face higher costs for health insurance even after getting new federal subsidies.

Simply because Obamacare is the law of the land doesn't mean that a need for real health care reform no longer exists. For at least continuing this important discussion, Murphey deserves credit and support.