Letter to Congress

The Honorable George Radanovich
2410 Rayburn House Office Building
United Sates House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515-0519

Dear Representative:

I am one of your constituents, and am writing to urge your support for national health care reform.

The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without a universal health insurance system. 45 million Americans, about 15% of our population have no health care insurance. 9 million of these are children. Approximately half of all bankruptcies are due to medical expenses. Despite the fact that we spend far more on health care than any other country (approximately $6,700 per person), we are 42nd in life expectancy and 45th in infant mortality. Clearly there is a problem.

I’m aware that there are concerns about the cost of undertaking universal health care. We must find a way to realize savings by not using urgent care as our primary caregiver. We must compensate the medical industry for successes achieved not procedures performed. And we must address the tremendously high cost of care during the last six months of life. However, even after we wring all the possible savings out of the system, it is still an expensive proposition. I support higher income taxes to pay for universal health care, provided that the wealthy, who can most afford it, are required to pay more.

The health care system that is enacted must have the following components:

It must be universal.
Everyone, including the young and healthy, must pay the premiums.
There must be income-based subsidies to provide help for low income individuals.

I suspect that you receive letters asking you to oppose health care reform legislation. I further suspect that most of those opposed already have health insurance. I know that a lot of people expect legislation by self-interest. However, I believe that the job of a leader such as you is to do what is right for everyone. Our great country must take care of its weakest citizens. This is one of the primary responsibilities of our government. Please help.