In January of 2009 the Obama administration will take over in Washington. With the annoucement that former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle will be the Secretary of Health and Human Services, health care reform is certain to be on the agenda. Sign below to stand up for health care reform that works for everyone -- including rural people, family farmers and small business owners. We will share your signatures and your comments with the Obama administration early in 2009.
Dear Secretary Daschle,
I support health care reform that works for all of America including rural people, family farmers and small business owners and employees. Such reform should be:
Universal – Because of the long-term health and societal consequences of being uninsured and underinsured, health care coverage should be available to everyone. That includes a choice of a private insurance plan, including keeping the insurance you have if you like it, or a public insurance plan that guarantees affordable coverage.
Continuous – Gaps or interruptions in coverage lead to inadequate care and worse health outcomes. This is particularly important for rural people since rural residents often lack health insurance for longer periods.
Affordable to individuals and families – The primary reason given by businesses, employers, and people for lacking health insurance benefits is cost; the affordability challenge is even greater for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
Affordable and sustainable – Health care must be cost-effective and efficient to the society as a whole and to individuals and families.
Enhance health and well-being – Coverage should include those services that provide for long-term health.
I urge you to work for health care reform that meets these principles.
0-25 of 1506 signatures
Number
Date
Name
Location
Leave a comment about why health care reform is important to you:
1506
January 17, 2009
Anonymous
Albuquerque, NM
1505
January 17, 2009
Alonzo Sawyer
Cleveland, OH
1504
January 16, 2009
Carl Epp
Henderson, NE
1503
January 16, 2009
Mary Sullivan
Bozeman, MT
1502
January 16, 2009
Lynn Cruze
Bean Station, TN
I am lucky to be a veteran. Not so lucky to need medical management of disabling conditions. I live on whats left of my farm and it takes me 2 hours to drive to the VA. At least I don't have to pay two thirds of my take home pay for health insurance that doesn't cover basic preventative medicine or most prescriptions like my neighbors. Universal healthcare provided through payroll taxes would actually free small businesses to focus on staying in business because the buying power of the Federal Government is a lot more leverage than a 10 person Mom and Pop can use to get good care for their employees.
1501
January 16, 2009
LauraLee Woodruff
, NE
1500
January 16, 2009
Patty Bonney
Portland, OR
1499
January 16, 2009
Anonymous
Canby, OR
1498
January 16, 2009
Anonymous
Sacramento, CA
1497
January 16, 2009
Beth Ashenburg
Slatersville, RI
Health care should be a right not a privilege in our country.
1496
January 16, 2009
Peggy Jonas
Ankeny, IA
I am a middle aged woman with 4 children. I am a single mom and I am planning to quit my job to care for my mother as she has terminal cancer. I will soon be without healthcare and do not know what to do. I can get coverage for the kids, but I cannot afford the cost of insurance for myself. I have worked all my life and tried to teach my kids to work hard. There is no real easy way to say that i cannot afford insurance and will just not get any healthcare at all. Peggy Jonas
1495
January 16, 2009
Linda Peterson
Indian Trail, NC
1494
January 16, 2009
arthi sundaresh
, RI
1493
January 16, 2009
Charles Siegrist
Tonasket, WA
1492
January 16, 2009
Cindy Leach
Battle Creek, MI
1491
January 16, 2009
Betty Coleman
Blacklick, OH
Everyone must have healthcare!
1490
January 16, 2009
Carol Jones
, WA
I am a middle class person who cannot afford health insurance. My husband and I work, but exceed the income amount for Basic Health, and are paying off our children's college loans. I don't get coverage from my job, either. I have absolutely no health coverage, and have over 10 years before I qualify for medicare. My husband is a Viet Nam vet and he gets some coverage from the VA but I can't. We'd loose everything if I got sick. This is no way to treat middle class american citizens - even poor people who are on DSHS, etc get their health care paid for!
1489
January 16, 2009
Ellen McComb
Mount Vernon, OH
1488
January 16, 2009
Carolyn Smith
Placerville, CA
Simple: I'm unemployed, don't have any healthcare insurance and am unable to afford monthly premiums at this time.