NEW YORK – Congressman Charles Rangel on Monday called on Republicans to spend more time working with President Barack Obama and Democrats to improve healthcare access and less time trying to score political points ahead of the next election.

“This nation cannot expect to be globally competitive without investing in the health of its people, "said Rangel."Too much money is spent, too many lives lost, too much potential wasted because of preventable diseases and conditions. It's economically wrong and it's morally wrong."

Rangel has spent last several days meeting with local stakeholders about the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act and the impact of potential federal cuts to area hospitals and healthcare centers. The Congressman even brought in the Obama Administration's point person on the issue, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Donald Berwick, to meet with local leaders to answer their questions and take back their concerns to Washington.

Dr. Berwick reiterated the Obama administration's commitment to improving care, achieving better health outcomes and lowering health care costs for institutions and individuals.

New York hospital officials and community health advocates are taking a national leadership role in creating innovative partnerships that integrate patient services and coordinate health literacy efforts. Leaders believe that implementation of health care reforms must provide the kind of flexibility that will allow for difference in approaches not only between states, but also within large cities like New York. However, without federal funding, communities would be severally hampered in narrowing the gap in health disparities and addressing preventable conditions like asthma, heart disease and obesity.

Rangel stated that the positive economic impact of the Affordable Care Act in helping residents would seen not only in improved care and lower costs, but also in the potential employment opportunities that could arise out of a more responsive system.

"In providing the kind of healthcare that every American deserves, we also have the opportunity to provide jobs and keep communities economically viable for decades to come," said Congressman Rangel. "That means not only new doctors and nurses, but also translators, IT specialists and other support staff that can be trained to help patients right now."