Another White House letter Health care

[Robert]

I must be on the hit list now    

   Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck <http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/?e=11&ref=text0>  this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:

Health Insurance Reform Reality Check <http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/71/?e=11> 

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage


1.   Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2.   Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3.   Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4.   Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5.   Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6.   Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7.   Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8.   Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/ <http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/?e=11&ref=hicp> 

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.   Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2.   We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3.   Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
4.   Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5.   Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6.   Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7.   You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8.   No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.  Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.  Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck <http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/?e=11&ref=myth1>
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq <http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq/?e=11&ref=myth1> 

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now


1.   Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2.   Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job.  Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3.   Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4.   Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes <http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes/> 
5.   Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline <http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline/> 
6.   The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction <http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/> 
7.   Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8.   The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf <http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf?e=11&ref=report> 

Visit WhiteHouse.gov <http://www.whitehouse.gov/?e=11&ref=whi> 

[Hotrodwing]

You forgot the SOYLENT GREEN proposal.  Think it can't happen?

[big d]

my only question is when did health care become a right ?......

[HayHauler]

my only question is when did health care become a right ?......

Correct big_d.  I have worked hard for 35 years and have always paid for my health care through my employers.  They contributed to my health care, but they didn't pay for all of it.  I have been at the same company for 26 years and have always paid my way for myself and my family.

It is NOT a right!

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jeff K]

my only question is when did health care become a right ?......

I feel the same way. It seems like the things I had to work my ass of to achieve... are slowly being handed out for free???
 

[Serk]

A RIGHT is something that can not be done to you..... Saying the sweat of your brow and fruits of your labor will be forcefully taken from you and given to someone else without compensation is NOT a right... There's another word entirely for that action, but it sure ain't "right"!

[Mickey Runie]

Perhaps the word used best to describe this new condition is: Obamunism?   

[Super Santa]

Obamanism = an entitlement mentality

Robbing from Peter to pay Paul and you end up with a VERY SORE PETER!!!

[G-Man]

Obama said very clearly that Medicare and Medicaide reimbursments will be cut by a number that begins with a billion.  What he means is how much the doctor, the clinic, the labs, the imaging group, and the hospitals, will get paid.  At the tail end of practicing, I was getting paid $38 for a medical visit from Medicare.  This will now be reduced.  If it takes 20 minutes to see a medicare patient, the doctor's time, according to the government, is worth a little more than $75 per hour.  That sounds pretty good if it was a $75 an hour salary, but it isn't.  From that $75/hr, the doc has to pay the receptionist, nurse/staff, rent, insurance(malpractice and health), student loans, supplies, cleaning, medical dues, mandatory continuing education credits, home mortgage, meals, clothes, auto loans, electric bill, phone bill, etc.  Medicaide, as a rule, pays even less.  If you think rationing won't occur, your fooling yourself and the gov't is fooling you.  Docs will limit the amount of Medicare and Medicaide patients that they will see each day.  Some in expensive areas of the country are forced to do this now just to stay in business.  They have to.  They can't afford to pack the waiting room for that kind of money.  This is just one very small example of rationing.  The gov't has been rationing all along by limiting the amount of docs in a particular area that can treat Mediciade patients to begin with.  Funny how they don't tell you this.

The public is being asked to accept whatever the administration is saying, or writing, as truthful, when much of it is nonsense, especially to the peope working within the industry. 

I would like to see the breakdown of the people who are so-called uninsured.  If they are uninsured due to poverty, there is a system called Medicaide already in place for decades.  If they are retired people who have paid into the system throughout their working careers, there is Medicare, and it too has been around for decades.  If they are young and CHOOSING between health insurance and a new car or $150 a month for a cell phone, then they should remain uninsured and have to pay the bill back if anything happens.  I am sure that there are uninsured due to previous existing conditions, unemployment, etc.  These are the only people that should be considered at this point.  There should be provisions for these people.  This will greatly reduce the 50 million number of uninsured.  (I am so suspect of that figure to begin with.  1 out of every 7 people are uninsured?....no way!  As I've stated many times, the poor and indigent will be treated EVERYWHERE they go.  It's the law)

[JimC]

1.   Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2.   Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3.   Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4.   Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5.   Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6.   Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7.   Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8.   Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

And when all the above is in place, the private insurance companies will no longer be profitable, that means that they will no longer be willing to insure anyone. We will then be at a position that everyone will be on government health care. That amounts to VOTES!

I pay $1,600 per/month for my health care, I have to work another job in order to make the payments.
But GUESS WHAT, I would rather do that than have the government give me insurance. That so called FREE insurance would mean that my grandchildren will be paying the bill for everyone's entitlements....

Besides, where will it stop? Our politicians are more interested in partison politics and VOTES than what it good for this country.

VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!

Jim