Dear Neighbor,
On Monday night, over 250 49th Ward residents jammed the Skyroom at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse to hear the facts about health insurance reform from U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and other leaders in the battle to reform our health care system.
As we've seen on TV over the past few weeks, the entrenched special interests are resorting to rumor-mongering and scare tactics in an effort to kill health insurance reform.
With rhetoric ramping up, it's more important than ever that we know the facts. If you weren't able to attend last night's meeting, or if you have more questions, we have a great new resource.
Click HERE to visit the "reality check" website launched earlier today by the White House. Through a series of videos, it answers critical questions and details the security and stability all Americans will have once we pass meaningful health insurance reform.
Below, you'll find a fact sheet, courtesy of our friends at the Wisconsin Democratic Party, which outlines eight key reasons why reform will benefit all Americans--even those who already have health insurance.
We know that the status quo is unsustainable, but we also know that meaningful change never comes easy. We hope you'll help deliver change by spreading the truth about health insurance reform to your family and friends.
Sincerely,
DAVID FAGUS
Committeeman
JOE MOORE
Alderman
MICHAEL JAMES
President
49th Ward Democratic Party
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Click here for a PDF version of the Fact Sheet that you can print and share.
Facts About Health Care Reform
Why we need reform:
Over 46 million Americans have no medical coverage at all; millions more are under-insured or fear losing coverage. If we continue on our current path health care costs will continue to soar and within the next decade one out of every five dollars will be spent on health care.
This is unacceptable, the system is broken and we cannot postpone meaningful reform any longer.
What's in it for you:
Your choice of doctors and plans will be protected; those that are happy with their current coverage can keep it or choose a new plan--including a public option.
Additionally,
everyone will benefit from eight protections that will ensure stability
and security for families across the country:
1. Coverage Regardless of Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing coverage because of medical history.
2. An End to Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductible and Co-Pays
Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Full Coverage for Preventive Care
Insurance
companies must fully cover--without charge--regular checkups and tests
that help prevent illness, including mammograms or eye and foot exams
for diabetics.
4. No Dropped Coverage for the Seriously Ill
Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or lessening coverage for people who become seriously ill.
5. No Gender Discrimination
Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging people more because of their gender.
6. No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage
Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage people receive.
7. Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Children will be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guaranteed Insurance Renewal
Insurance companies will be required to renew a policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal if someone becomes sick.
"This isn't about politics. This is about people's lives.
This is about people's businesses. This is about our future."
-President Barack Obama
When a social worker tells a 67 year old diabetic that he can't get his SNAP food credit increased ( even though dietic food costs 35% more on average), you know something is terribly wrong:
My husband and I requested a SNAP Food credit increase, we've been turned down twice. A few days ago we received notice that our account would be changed from $102 a month to $101. I see this as a subtle threat; or prehaps a warning to stay quiet. ( He's diabetic and we live on SSI). Which would you prefer: An extra $100 for dietic food, or $180,000 a month for Hospital costs if or when John has a Diabetic blackout or slips into a Coma? You already pay for his SSI and VA, so your decision. If Obama wants to prevent complications associated with diabeties, obesity, and other ailments, wouldn't it make sense to issue specified food vouchers/ Dietic foods/Care boxes to VA clinics,Food pantries and other institutions that address the needs of Low income Americans? Why is it that Government Commodities ( often delivered to Non Profit Organizations) are extremely high in Sodium and Carbs?
Worst of all, not ONE version of the Healthcare proposals include tax breaks or incentives to encourage responsible, healthy lifestyles: Therefore, Costs will skyrocket. and John and I will continue to suffer in silence.
Posted by: Cindy Merrill | September 23, 2009 at 04:36 PM