“The report from the Commonwealth Fund which examines the increased costs and/or savings associated with various health reform options shines a spotlight on many important policy issues. The policy options examined in this report each have potential benefits and risks and should be closely scrutinized for their impact on consumers, payors, and the system at large. America’s biotechnology companies welcome this discussion and look forward to playing a constructive role in a national conversation on health care.

“The policy issues examined in this report demonstrate the need for a healthcare debate that moves beyond soundbites to carefully examine how best to expand access, improve quality and outcomes, and provide other meaningful policy reforms. Rather than tinkering at the margins with punitive policy proposals, our nation needs creative policy solutions that recognize that the needs and wants of the American people. BIO strongly believes that consumers deserve a system that provides wide access to cutting-edge treatments, life-saving therapies, and medical advances.

“This report is an important contribution to the debate and we look forward to an ongoing discussion with a wide range of stakeholders.”

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology. www.bio.org