League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area

Position on Health Care

League Position on Health Care

While it is encouraging that Senate and House committees are beginning to seriously consider health care reform legislation, it is critical that the U.S. Congress takes action and passes real health care reform in the next few months.

America is facing a health care crisis, caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and a broken insurance system that leaves 47 million of us without any coverage. Americans who do have insurance face ever-higher premiums, the fear of losing employment-subsidized policies, and the threat of bankruptcy if complicated, industry-oriented claims processes deny payment for catastrophic illness or life saving drug expenses.

The current health care system is endangering both our economy and our health, and voters have made it clear that they want change.

According to a study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, 70 percent of Americans surveyed believe the health care system needs major changes, if not a complete overhaul.

Health care reform legislation must guarantee quality, affordable health care to all U.S. residents. It is universal coverage of this fundamental need that will measure the humanity of our system; and all Americans must have health insurance, including the choice of a quality, affordable public plan.

In addition, it is essential that comparative data on treatments, benefits packages and medical outcomes be made publicly available so that individuals can make informed health decisions.

Congress needs to take additional strong action to reduce the costs of health care for individuals, businesses and communities. As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Legislation must provide effective cost controls, equitable distribution of services and allow for efficient and economical delivery of care.

It’s not a “free market” if consumer demand is a matter of life-or-death. Parents don’t have a “choice” to seek or not seek treatment for sick children.

But one choice, a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans, will be key to controlling health care expenses and keeping everybody honest.

Achieving this kind of comprehensive, system-wide reform will take a shared effort by citizens and Congress. Please urge Senators Nelson and Martinez, and Representative Miller to support real health care reform.

Deborah Nelson
President, League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area
7/16/09