With the election of Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, many in Washington are debating how to proceed on health insurance reform. Some have floated the idea that passing an entirely new bill - one that contains only insurance market reforms - is the best way forward. While there is a case to be made for expediency (yes, we're all ready for Congress to finish the job), market-only reform is not just politically timid, it's borderline reckless.

Insurance market reform would do little to address the chronic, systemic problems in our health care system. Take a look at just a few of the major achievements that would be lost if Congress opted to pass only insurance market reforms:

1. Without a comprehensive bill, we won't lower costs. There is no silver bullet for reducing health care costs - it will require a comprehensive approach. The Senate bill contains hundreds of provisions to reduce costs, from cost-saving pilot programs in Medicare and Medicaid, to the creation of the Medical Homes and Accountable Care Organization, which will allow doctors and hospitals to better coordinate care.


2. We won't expand ranks of insured Americans. Through a package of reforms, the Senate bill covers 94% of Americans - reducing the number of uninsured by 31 million. Market-only reform cannot significantly expand coverage.


3. We won't reduce the deficit. The CBO has confirmed that the Senate's bill is fiscally responsible, reducing the deficit by $132 billion over ten years, and $1.3 trillion over 20 years.


4. Small businesses will be hung out to dry. Only a comprehensive bill can reduce costs for small businesses. The Senate bill provides generous tax credits (of up to 50 percent of their premiums) to small businesses who provide health coverage to employees.


5. The "donut-hole" won't be addressed. The Senate bill reduces the size of the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, known as the "donut hole," by $500 in the first year. The Senate bill also requires drug manufacturers to provide a 50% discount for brand-name drugs and biologics purchased within the "donut hole," helping seniors better afford their prescription drugs.


6. We won't improve Medicare. The Senate bill uses the leverage of Medicare to reduce hospital readmission rates and hold hospitals accountable. It also contains a national pilot program for payment bundling, and helps chronically-ill beneficiaries receive in-home primary care. The Senate bill also removes cost-sharing obligations for Medicare recipients for preventive services, including an annual wellness visit and personalized prevention plan. These critical improvements will be lost without a comprehensive bill.


7. Long term care will not be made affordable. Provisions in the Senate bill provide for workers who opt-in to a voluntary program to receive at least $50 a day to pay for long term care needs. This program, once championed by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, would be lost without a comprehensive bill.


8. We won't address shortages in the primary care physicians. The Senate bill makes substantial investments in improving our nation's health care workforce. Programs like the National Health Service Corps and the Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program would be lost with market-only reform.


9. We won't improve rural health care. The Senate bill invests in community health centers, and trains more rural physicians and health care providers. It also incentivizes health care providers to serve in rural and underserved communities.


10. We won't address America's growing health problems. The Senate bill strengthens a national prevention and public health strategy around improving Americans' health. It also provides for substantial investment in health research and studies.

The U.S. House and Senate have already passed comprehensive health reform bills. It's time for Congress to finish reform right - the House of Representatives should pass the Senate bill and begin an immediate, parallel process of making needed improvements. When it comes to delivering on the promise of affordable, quality care, that is the only responsible way forward.