I wish I had a penny every time someone says I don’t want Government Run Health Care. I hear this shouting cry everywhere I go. Yet, not one person has said they would give up Medicare or Medicaid. How about the one that Health Care Reform will lead to rationing of services? Rationing is what goes on right now. Insurance companies, based on your plan, decide what you can and cannot receive. This practice leaves out critical treatments, screenings and immunizations. The proposed Health Care Reform eliminates rationing.
As a Business Owner, in the City of Troy, I have fought my battle to find good and affordable Health Care Insurance for my Business. We have to do better by our Small Business Owners. The myth that blows me away is that Government is trying to control Small Businesses and destroy free enterprise. I got that from a protestor who didn’t even own a business. Nevertheless, it’s a myth unfounded in my examination of the Health Care Reform Bill. Right now, a Small Business Owner pays almost 18% more than bigger firms for comparable coverage. The proposed Health Care Insurance Reform gives these small firms an opportunity to choose from a health insurance exchange. This would allow firms to choose the best plan, a mixture of private insurance and government option, at the right price to fit their budget. The Bill also provides a Tax Credit for Small Businesses who offer Insurance plans.
There is a penalty in the Health Care Reform Bill if Companies don’t support their employee’s health insurance and will share the cost through an assessment. A provision in the bill calls for an exemption from this penalty to firms with less than 25 employees, which accounts for about 91% of all small businesses in this Country. The other nine percent already provide insurance. This makes the playing field level and allows for Growth in our Small Business Sector allowing for healthier workers, attract superior Talent and lets Small Businesses be more equipped to compete globally.
The most egregious myth I have witnessed so far? “Health Care Reform will force Seniors into euthanasia.” How recklessly erroneous can anyone bring themselves? In section 1233, the Bill allows Seniors to get consultations from their own Doctor on healthcare options and access to information about end of life options. The Bill reimburses Doctors for the consultation and gives the patient the opportunity to have real caring conversations about their end of life options and is not mandatory.
What I believe you should be concerned about more and what I am advocating? No denial of coverage due to a pre-existing condition, no waiting period for coverage, coverage cannot be cancelled at anytime and prices stay low. I would like to explore the possibility of Health Insurance Non-Profit Co-ops, which would still drive down costs and make the market more competitive.
One more point I am really intrigued by is what is stated in the “Economic Case for Health Reform from White House Council of Economic Advisors”. Health Care Insurance Reform will create more than 80,000 jobs in Michigan and with no inflationary effects.
We have to rally around something this big and this beneficial to Michigan, make the necessary adjustments and pass the Health Care Reform Bill.
I know you have succumbed to the ills of an economy that has kept you from the movement. I know it isn’t easy and it isn’t fair what you’re going through. I know because my household has been hit hard too.
We are losing precious moments. We can say whatever we want about the Tea Party Protestors. However, you cannot say they’re not active and advocating. We are the Champions of advocacy and we must get stronger in our activity. This year’s and next year’s elections are counting on our movement. The People of Michigan are counting on us to deliver the message of a stronger Michigan and confronting the status quo. When you signed up to be an insider, you promised to be the guardians of Progressive Policy for Michigan Residents.
It’s something about our Party that embodies a positive progressive energy. But, only if we stay on our message and actively advocate our vision. Let’s now be a “Yes We Are” movement. Let’s get moving!
