Action needed on health care reform

It is critical that you turn your full attention to the health care “reform” debate currently underway on Capitol Hill.

As I write, Harry Reid is forcing the Senate to meet 7 days a week to complete the Democrats’ march toward a federal takeover of the health care delivery system. He has even threatened to call Senators into session through the holidays if ObamaCare isn’t approved.

Although Reid sounds like the Grinch, we all know his bill would make the federal government a veritable Santa Claus when it comes to health care. That includes the potential for a government-run health plan in each state.

The Senate is now the central front in this fight. That’s why it’s critical that you contact Senator Jeanne Shaheen to express your strong opposition to the Obama/Reid/Pelosi health care bill.

Like Social Security and Medicare, the Democrat proposals add up to a massive, expensive new federal program. We can’t afford the entitlements we already have. How on earth do they think we’ll be able to pay for government-subsidized health care?

We all know the answer to that question: more taxes and stifling mandates. We also know who will pick up the tab: us.

What is less apparent, though, is the disproportionate share of the burden small businesses will bear. According to the independent Congressional Budget Office, new taxes on health benefits, prescriptions, medical devices, and reduced payments to hospitals would result in significant cost increases that will be passed on directly to employers and employees. That will make health insurance more expensive, not less.

For self-employed business owners buying coverage in the individual market, policies would be 10 percent to 13 percent higher in 2016 than the same coverage under current law. That is unacceptable – and it runs counter to the Democrats’ stated goal of expanding access to care.

Seniors and those nearing retirement should also be highly skeptical of the Senate’s pending legislation. That’s because Democrats want to pay for their $2.5 trillion bill, in part, by making cuts to Medicare. Just last week, they thwarted a Republican push to stop cuts for home nursing services that are critical for Medicare beneficiaries who can’t leave the house.

Bottom line, the Democrats’ plan will raise taxes, harm small business owners and gut Medicare. A public plan, or even a public option with any trigger attached to it, is a path toward a government takeover of our health care system.

But it’s not too late to stop them.

Today – immediately, if possible – you should make it clear to Jeanne Shaheen that New Hampshire doesn’t want the Democrats’ health care takeover. Tell her that competition and sensible marketplace reforms are what will lower premium costs and improve health care choices for individuals and businesses.

You can call Senator Shaheen at 202-224-2841.
Letting Senator Shaheen know where you stand is an important step toward stopping the Democrats’ bill. Call or write her today.

Sincerely,
Fred Tausch
Founder, STEWARD of Prosperity