President Barack Obama's nominee for health secretary told lawmakers on Thursday that she believes all Americans should have healthcare and she would work to ensure that insurance is available to every American. “Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, it will not wait another year,” said Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “Inaction is not an option. The status quo is unacceptable and unsustainable.” Around 43 million Americans do not have health insurance – a situation Obama has pledged to turn around. His administration argues that having large parts of the population without insurance is ultimately more costly because people without insurance do not get the primary health care that would help them avoid or forestall catastrophic illnesses. But Obama's plan to offer a government-run alternative to private healthcare faces skepticism from conservative lawmakers and American citizens who are fearful and distrustful of huge government programs. Sebelius also faces scrutiny of her opinions on abortion and whether that will affect any decisions she takes if confirmed as Health and Human Service Secretary.
