National Health Care Legislation

I have been spending time contacting my representatives in the Senate and House to encourage them to make progress on reforming our health care system. The time has come to stop large insurance companies from raping the American people. While the media covers these outrageous demonstrators who are trying to prevent the country from having a discussion on this very important issue, they fail to report the earnings of United Health Care for the second quarter. I am sure most of you are unaware that they showed a profit of $800,000,000. The CEO of the company is paid millions of dollars while they reduce the number of insured to build up their bottom line. Watch the following report at http://bravenewfilms.org/. Look for the film entitled SICK FOR PROFIT. (If the link does not work copy and paste it into your browser window.)

The truth of the matter is that people don't become aware of how shaky their health insurance is until they try to use it. That's when you realize how vunerable you are. Five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and wanted to be treated at the Mayo Hospital. I was informed that Mayo Hospital was not within their network and therefore there would be a higher deductible. The original estimate of out of pocket expense was $20,000! We decided after visiting surgeons within the insurance company's network, that none of them measured up to the doctors we dealt with at Mayo. After the surgery and follow up treatment our total out of pocket expense was $45,000.

I urge all of you to learn about your coverage before you need to use it! Also, take the time to call your Senators and Congressional Representatives and insist that they support reform including a public option to compete with the private insurers. You can reach them by calling 800-833-6354, and follow the prompts. I would love to hear your feedback, please e-mail me at TRF649@aol.com.