I wanted to share with you part of an email that I received earlier this week. It’s about the president’s commitment to reforming our health care system in America.
It seems that opponents of health care reform are doing everything they can to prevent a real discussion about the need for health care reform. These opponents of reform are spreading lies about the plans being debated in Congress, and they are using scare tactics in their descriptions of what the President wants to do by way of reforming our health care system.
In fact, what I wanted to share with you, is the President’s eight guarantees about the kind of health care reform he is seeking. President Obama said he won’t sign a health care reform bill that does not meet eight specific guarantees.
Under health insurance reform, everyone will benefit from these Health Insurance Guarantees that will provide more security and stability for Americans and their families:
No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions. Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing coverage because of medical history.
No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays. Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care. Insurance companies must fully cover – without charge – regular checkups and tests that help prevent illness, including mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill. Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or lessening coverage for people who become seriously ill.
No Gender Discrimination. Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging people more because of their gender.
No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage. Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage people receive.
Extended Coverage for Young Adults. Children will be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
Guaranteed Insurance Renewal. First, insurance companies will be required to renew a policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Second, insurance companies won’t be allowed to refuse renewal if someone becomes sick.
The President, Democratic leaders in Congress and champions of health insurance reform welcome a debate on the merits of any bill. President Obama has made painstakingly clear his position by offering those eight guarantees.
I hope you will share this email with friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members. Help us start a constructive debate about health insurance reform.
Too many people in Mississippi go everyday without adequate health care coverage. We have the opportunity to change that. I hope you will be a part of this historic opportunity.
Democratically yours,
Chairman Jamie Franks
MS Democrat Party
8/17/9
Magnolia Tribune
