The Senate may actually be on the verge of creating a health care reform bill that should be killed. AP reports:
The United Church of Christ, with over 1.1 million Americans across the United States, including Oregon, has called for reform that includes:WASHINGTON — Former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean argued Wednesday that the health care overhaul bill taking shape in the Senate further empowers private insurers at the expense of consumer choice.
"You will be forced to buy insurance. If you don't, you'll pay a fine," said Dean, a physician. "It's an insurance company bailout." Interviewed on ABC's "Good Morning America," he said the bill has some good provisions, "but there has to be a line beyond which you think the bill is bad for the country."
"This is an insurance company's dream," the former Democratic presidential candidate said. "This is the Washington scramble, and it's a shame."
Dean asserted that the Senate's health care bill would not prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions and he also said it would allow the industry to charge older people far more than others for premiums.
Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., a prominent House liberal, protested the absence of any government-run insurance option in the Senate bill.
"We can't let the perfect be enemy of the good," Weiner said on CBS' "Early Show," "but we are reaching a tipping point."
- Coverage for all people
- Access regardless of ability to pay
- A full set of comprehensive benefits
- A choice of physicians and other providers
- Elimination of racial and ethnic and other health care disparities
- Waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions without age limits
- A robust public health insurance option
The Senate bill - thanks in large part to Joe Lieberman and BIll Nelson - fails to meet many of these goals. It may be so watered down as to not be real reform.
Take this moment to send one last message to the Senate asking for meaningful reform.
Related Link: Letter to President Obama On The Public Option
On Facebook? Join the group People of Faith for a Strong Public Option in Health Care Reform
Related Link: Health Care and The Christian Tradition
