By Val Tindall and Pat Johnson, Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters of Upper Iowa
Decorah
Dear Editor:
The League of Women Voters urges the U.S. Congress to pass real health care reform in the next few months. Citizens have a role in this process also: to learn about this crucial issue and press their representatives to vote for serious reform.
We are facing a health care crisis caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and an insurance system that leaves 47 million of us without any coverage. The current health care system is endangering our economy, 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 for all U.S. residents. The League believes that it is universal coverage that will determine the humanity of our system. All Americans must have access to health care, including the choice of a quality, affordable public insurance plan.
Reducing the costs of health care must be a part of the reform plan. As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Reform legislation must provide effective cost controls, emphasize prevention and promote efficient and economical delivery of care. Offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans will be key to genuine reform.
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.
Achieving this kind of comprehensive reform will require bold action from Congress to do what is best for the American people, and citizen support for the effort as well. Contact Senators Grassley and Harkin and Representative Latham, and ask them to support serious, comprehensive health care reform now. (Senator Grassley: 202-224-3744, Senator Harkin: 202-224-3254, Representative Latham: 866-428-5642)
