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

Much Thanks Senator Snowe

Sent to Senator Snowe via e-mail.

Dear Senator Snowe,

I am writing to thank you for your support of the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill.

Your courageous decision to break from your party and to play a key role in continuing the critical work of health care reform is admirable and for this I am grateful.

In recent years I have become increasingly concerned by the extremely divisive “party line” politics that has consumed Washington. The American people deserve more from our elected officials than the playing of high-stakes games in which self-interests, party-interests and special-interests come before the welfare of the people.

Disagreement and debate as we work as a people to steer our nation is good and vital to the health of United States of America. However, earnest disagreement and debate is quite different than the manipulation, game playing and meek conduct that far too often pervades our system.

Senator Snowe, you are a patriot and a servant to our nation.

With Much Thanks and Gratitude,

Tonia Becker VerShaw
Grayslake, IL

Healthcare Ideas for Your Consideration.....Please Keep "Us" First

For thoughts and ideas on the current healthcare debate, please access the full blog post.

Sent to:

Congresswoman Melissa Bean
Senator Dick Durbin
President Barack Obama (via www.whitehouse.gov)
Huffington Post
CNN

When permitted, I sent entire blog post. When not permitted (too many characters) I sent a portion of the post, then referred to the URL.