Health Care Legislation--Only an Initial Step

Sent to Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Senator Dick Durbin, President Obama

I am pleased that it looks as though the pending health care legislation has very promising chances of passing.

It is my most sincere hope...in fact it is my expectation that the legislation that seems likely to pass will be considered an initial step.

The health care journey began on the premise that all Americans deserve access to quality health care. Access to health care is not only a moral issue, it is a practical issue—a society cannot thrive without a healthy populace. I still believe deeply in this premise.

Although I see some positive aspects of the current legislation, it must be viewed as a first step. I do understand that governing requires compromise. Necessary compromises have been made and smaller compromises will still be required. However, we cannot pass this legislation, declare a victory and move on.

The outcomes/results of the legislation—both successes and failures—will need to be evaluated. Future legislation will most certainly be required to improve various aspects.

Of greatest concern to me is that there seems to be little included in the legislation to restrain rising costs. In fact, given that insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, the cost of health coverage may rise. This uncertainty will need to be monitored and future legislation required.

The reality is, the only way I see to restrain rising costs is to reduce the tremendous inefficiencies and wasteful areas within our health care system. Given the fact that the system is not making improvements on its own, the government will need to step in. The process of bringing wastefulness in line will take enormous political fortitude and will require thoughtful support of the American people.

Hopefully, the current legislation will pass and you will continue to fight for the full scope of the needs of the American people.

Thank you for your service and I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Tonia Becker VerShaw
Grayslake, IL