The following is a letter which I send to my reps. It is short and to the point and specifically made to not be long and drawn out as that would lessen the chances of it being read. Check back on this post often as I will make changes as I think of more things to add to it. Feel free to completely redistribute this letter to your reps!
Vote no to any health care reform.
Reasons to not have health care reform of any sort:
- We cannot afford it. If the government says it can be paid for by reforming current programs, then do that first and bank the money for health care reform down the road. In other words, prove it.
- We have a shortage of primary care physicians already, what happens when you dump 40 million more patients into the system? Hint – nothing good.
- Health care is not a right.
- Corruption is rampant in the US government at all levels. If universal health care is ever implemented, an incredible amount of money targeted for health care will be misappropriated.
- Look at the track record for government-run institutions of the same breadth. VA hospitals – the debacle at Walter Reid and Marion, IL? Public schools?
That said, if bills are brought up for vote, they should be voted upon based on the following criteria:
Unacceptable in health care reform:
- Public option.
- Abortion coverage (where it is elective surgery as opposed to necessary for saving the mother’s life).
- Coverage for illegal aliens by any process (direct or by later giving amnesty which would result in coverage).
- Taxing individuals (in any way, shape or form) who choose to not carry health insurance.
- Cuts in Medicare or Medicaid.
- Taxing contributions to flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
- Considering any dependent over the age of 25 as a child to be covered under an insurance plan.
- Taxpayer-funded coverage for anyone outside of Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP.
Acceptable health care reform:
- Disallowing denial of insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Disallowing rescission (specifically meaning insurance coverage cancellation-due-to-illness, rescission on the basis of proven fraud is valid).
- Disallowing higher insurance premiums based on gender.
- Tort reform.
- Incentives for doctors to go into/stay in family practice/primary care.
- Allowing for the purchase of health insurance from companies across state lines.
- Antitrust laws for the health insurance industry.
- Portability of health insurance.
November 5, 2009
