THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR

WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By U.S.Congresswoman Nita Lowey, 18th Congressional District. August 14, 2009: In recent months, over 13,000 residents in New York’s 18^th Congressional district have contacted my office, participated in telephone town halls, or shared thoughts via my website regarding health care reform. I hope that through continued public dialogue on this incredibly sensitive issue in the coming weeks, all Americans will gain confidence that reform will improve the health, well-being, and financial security of families, businesses, and our economy.  

Supporters and opponents of the House proposal are united in one notable way – concern about the serious impact of Congress’ action on cost, quality, and choice in our health care system.

 Consider for a moment the price we are already paying for health care that is failing millions of Americans.

·       Personal premiums doubled since 2000, consuming 17% of median family incomes. 

·       Care for 47 million uninsured greatly increases costs for taxpayers and the insured. 

·       In 2007, 60% of U.S. bankruptcies resulted from medical costs.

 Without reform, over the next 10 years:

·        the U.S. is expected to spend nearly $33 trillion on health care; 

·        a family health insurance plan will cost an estimated $24,000 per year, nearly half of household income;

·        The number of uninsured will swell to 66 million, 11 million of whom will lose employer-sponsored health care; and

·        Insurance companies will continue to deny coverage or charge higher premiums for those who need catastrophic care, have pre-existing conditions or are simply more likely to need health care based on gender or age.

 The centerpiece of the House health reform proposal is an insurance Exchange in which uninsured individuals — and ultimately businesses – could purchase insurance from private insurers or a public plan.  These plans are designed to provide competitive rates, benefits similar to those of Members of Congress and federal employees, and protections from denials of coverage or care when patients need it most. Low-income individuals and small businesses would receive tax credits or subsidies to buy into the Exchange.

 In Westchester and Rockland Counties, 22,100 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 8,800 seniors would avoid high out-of-pocket drug costs in the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole;’ 460 families could escape health care-related bankruptcies; 53,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to care; and health care providers would be paid fairly for the services they deliver.

 Unfortunately these and other benefits in this bill have been overshadowed by escalating rhetoric in this debate, particularly regarding misconceptions about the proposal.

·        For example, employers and those with insurance will not be forced to change plans but could find better, more affordable plans over time through the Exchange.

·        Medicare benefits would remain unchanged, except for elimination of the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole.’

·        Older Americans will not be required to receive counseling about end-of-life care, but Medicare would cover the service for the first time. 

·        Reform would actually stop “rationing” by insurance companies, giving patients and doctors control of the care patients receive and protecting patients from denials for coverage.

·        Finally, the government would not “socialize” medicine. In fact, private insurance would be offered through the Exchange to give consumers more affordable choices that include coverage standards to protect patients.

 An open and respectful dialogue is essential for Americans to learn about health care proposals and for my office to address your concerns. Until Congress votes in September, I will continue this discussion through meetings with constituents; roundtables with various groups like seniors, doctors, businesses, and disability advocates; telephone town halls; and updated information and polls on my website so that you can voice your opinion and get the facts on reform.

 The status quo is simply unacceptable for our economy and for the financial security of families and businesses held hostage by insurance companies. I look forward to working constructively with residents of the 18^th district and my colleagues in Congress to pass reform that contains costs, preserves choices, and improves health care for every American.

WPCNR WASHINGTON WIRE. From the Office of  Congresswoman Nita Lowey. August 13, 2009: Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today hosted a roundtable meeting of Westchester County residents who have personally dealt with the difficulties of accessing affordable health care or have been denied care by insurance companies.  Lowey also detailed the urgency of health insurance reform and the benefits this reform would bring to New York.

“Families and individuals across the nation – and right here in Westchester County – have real difficulties accessing affordable health insurance,” said Lowey.  “Even those who are insured may be arbitrarily denied necessary treatment if it will hurt the insurance company’s bottom line.  I am working to ensure health insurance reform moving through Congress makes care more affordable for individuals and families and ends egregious practices that put care out of reach for those who need it.“

Although the legislative process is ongoing,  she said the health insurance reform legislation taking shape in the House of Representatives would benefit Westchester and Rockland Counties the following ways:

• 22,100 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees;

• 8,800 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D;
  
• 460 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs;
  
• 53,000 uninsured individuals would gain high-quality, affordable health insurance; and
  
• Health care providers would be paid for $147 million in uncompensated care each year.

 Evidence of the crisis in our health care system is clear:

• Since 2000, personal premiums have more than doubled, now consuming 17% of the median family’s income.
  
• 47 million uninsured often forgo preventive care and rely on hospital emergency rooms for primary care, increasing costs for all taxpayers including those with insurance.

 In 2008, the average individual spent $4,704 per year on health insurance premiums and the average family spent $12,680.

 Without reform, these trends will get worse.

• The cost of a family health insurance plan will increase to an estimated $24,000 per year in 2019, approximately 45% of household income.
  
• The number of uninsured will reach 66 million – including 11 million who will lose employer-sponsored health care – raising costs for all.

 Some individuals may be denied insurance coverage if they have a pre-existing condition. Others who have access to employer-sponsored health insurance or who can afford a family or individual policy may have their policy dropped if they become ill, or may be denied coverage or necessary treatments.

 Health insurance reform will make it possible to switch jobs without worrying whether your new employer offers coverage.  You can get sick without facing the prospect of higher premiums.  There would be no exorbitant out-of-pocket costs or lifetime limits on benefits that can lead to medical bankruptcy.  And expanding coverage to those without insurance will mean lower premiums for the insured than you would see otherwise.