Submittals

We recently wrote Illinois Senator Dick Durbin urging his support of legislation to address our energy policy by supporting clean energy generation with renewable energy technologies while reducing the environmental impact and climate disruption caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The added benefit is creating clean energy jobs.

Below is Senator Durbin’s response – we appreciate Senator Durbin’s support!

As Congress continues to debate the Health Care Bill, Illinois Senator Roland Burris submitted another response on Health Care Reform. Senator Burris offers a number of  points for our consideration.

Let’s pay particular attention to the last sentence of Senator Burris’ note. Our question is: Why don’t we have every single person in the Senate and House with this same mind set?

Dear Bob:

Thank you for contacting me about healthcare reform. I appreciate the benefit of your views.

As your United States Senator, one of my top priorities is to ensure that my constituents have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Today, nearly 3.5 million Illinois residents, 30.8% of the under 65 population, lack health insurance. Those who remain covered face rapidly rising premiums. A Kaiser Family Foundation report found that average insurance premiums have more than doubled in the past nine years, and the New America Foundation projects that, by 2016, coverage costs for an average Illinois family could top $25,000 a year.

In the face of these challenges, I support reforms aimed at improving efficiency and access while reducing cost. A focus on prevention and primary care will help Americans avoid getting sick, saving billions on costly specialist and emergency treatments. Increasing competition in the insurance market, through a public option, will put pressure on insurers to reduce administrative costs, marketing, and high profit margins. This will result in a higher percentage of premiums spent on treatment and a better overall value for consumers. Expanded access to health insurance, provided through affordability credits, will eliminate the $1,200 “hidden tax” that the average insured Illinois resident pays in additional premiums to subsidize expensive emergency care for those who currently cannot afford insurance and bring premium costs within reach for millions of middle class families.

The pending reform effort has received the support of many of the nation’s most prominent medical, consumer, and senior groups. The American Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the American Federation of Hospitals, Families USA, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) all support reforming our health system, because they know that we face a crisis. As costs skyrocket, more people lose the coverage they need. Patients suffer, and businesses lose productivity. Insurers, hospitals, and doctors lose customers, and the entire healthcare system begins to break down. Currently, 14,000 people lose their insurance every single day. This is not acceptable in America.

A number of groups that profit from the current inefficiencies have spread false rumors about reform. I would like to take this opportunity to correct some of the misinformation.

“Government Takeover”: Some believe that a public insurance option will mean the end of private health insurance. On the contrary, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that if insurance reform passes with a public plan option, the number of people covered by private, employer-sponsored coverage will actually increase.

Rationing: Rationed care will not happen with reform. In fact, the bill takes a number of steps to prevent insurance companies from making your coverage decisions. Insurance reform will restore your doctor’s ability to treat patients properly, without deferring to insurance company bureaucrats who deny coverage and treatments.

Medicare: Rumors abound that reform jeopardizes existing Medicare coverage. The truth is, cutting waste, fraud, and abuse will assure the security of the Medicare trust fund for years to come. In addition, insurance reform will end cost sharing for preventative care, cut the prescription drug “doughnut hole” in half, and lower Medicare premiums.

Abortion: None of the reform proposals being considered would mandate coverage of abortions. Current federal law preventing government funded abortions; except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother; will remain unchanged. All versions of reform include a “conscious protection” clause, which allows doctors the right to refuse to perform an abortion, if doing so conflicts with their values.

Federal Employees: The Senate reform bill requires all Members of Congress and their staffs to enroll in the public insurance exchange. I fully support this proposal, as I believe that we Senators should have a personal stake in the reforms we propose.

Cost: President Obama has repeatedly stated that any reform must not increase the federal budget deficit and must control growth in medical spending. The Senate reform bill reduces our federal budget deficit by more than $100 billion over the next ten years, and takes important steps toward paying for quality, not merely volume of service, in our healthcare system.

Investing in reform now will ensure stability in coverage. President Obama has made very clear that reform will protect Americans’ right to keep their current health insurance policy, but changes will slow the rate of increase in premiums, offer protection and options for those who lose their jobs, and help those who cannot afford insurance.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.

Sincerely,

Roland W. Burris
United States Senator

Yesterday we e-mailed our two Illinois Senators asking for their support for the amendment (see our posts yesterday) to H.R. 3590 (the Senate Health Care Reform bill) that Congress continues to debate.

Within 24 hours of our e-mail we received the following response from Senator Durbin- this exhibits once again that the folks in Washington are listening. The question remains – can they get a Health Care Reform bill done?

 Here is Senator Durbin’s response to our e-mail.

December 16, 2009 

 Thank you for writing to express your concerns about health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you.

 Millions of Americans face difficult choices between paying high premiums for health insurance coverage and meeting other basic needs of their families. Since 2000, health insurance premiums have gone up 73 percent. The high cost of insurance keeps dependable, quality health care coverage out of reach for many of Illinoisans. More than 46 million Americans are without health insurance today, including 8.5 million children, and millions of middle class families who do have coverage are one step away from losing it in this troubled economy.

 We need reforms that give middle-class families the assurance of stable and secure coverage, stable and affordable costs, and better quality care. The reforms we are considering in Congress would help achieve these goals. We will put an end to discrimination based on preexisting conditions. Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage, or dropping you, because of your medical history or because you get sick. There will be no annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you can receive if you need it, and no one will be charged more because of their gender.

To help keep costs manageable, insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses. Basic preventive care, which can reduce costs in the long run, will be provided without charge. We are also working on reforms that will reduce costs for families, businesses, and the government by paying providers for the quality of the care they provide rather than the quantity.

 If you like what you have today, you can keep it. But for the millions of Americans who have no security in today’s health care market, these are some of the key steps needed to fix what is broken while we protect what works. People who are uninsured or unsatisfied with their coverage will be able to choose a plan that better addresses their needs.

 I believe most Americans share my commitment to these goals of health care reform. I will keep your concerns in mind as I work for an approach that provides secure and stable coverage, affordable costs, and better quality care.

 Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

RJD/kg

Now we hear about a tax to pay for the build up of troops for the war in Afghanistan. Maybe it’s time to get out – none of us can afford it – none of US!

President Obama – it is time to take ownership for your promise of change – change we can believe in. It appears to us that politics  in Washington is being conducted no different than before President Obama came into office.

The so called amendment to the Health Care Reform bill that appears to appease a Senator from Louisiana who was “on the fence” about voting to move the bill forward to debate – is that change we can believe in?

The credit card companies that are increasing interest rates while limiting credit and imposing additional charges before legislation goes into effect – is that change we can believe in?

The health insurance companies increasing rates at 30% year-over-year rate in anticipation of legislation – is that change we can believe in?

Those fortunate enough to have something left in a retirement fund have seen it erode by as much as 50% – is this change we can believe in?

And now a war tax? Is this the change we voted for? How much more can we take? People can’t get jobs; their home value is less than the debt on their home; and we keep getting hammered by the credit card and health insurance companies! 

President Obama – we don’t have much left. It is now time to stand up for the American people and give US the leadership we expected. It’s time to give direction to Congress – the American people are losing their hope for change and their trust in the elected Representation in Washington.

If we really want something to be thankful for this Thursday – it would be that Washington truly become responsible to WE THE PEOPLE.

As Congress continues to debate Health Care Reform, the Senate works on their Health Care Bill.

In response to a member’s submittal, below is Illinois Senator Dick Durbin’s response.  Once again we see another reason why we need true health care reform that includes a public health care option. Thanks again Senator Durbin for your support. 

Sincerely,

We received a response form Illinois Senator Dick Durbin. Please see Senator Durbin’s statement below.

Once again, if we let our Representation in Congress – The House and The Senate know how we feel, what we want they will listen and respond.

Thanks again Senator Durbin for your support.

The following is a newsletter from our Illinois Senator Roland Burris regarding the Health Care Reform debate that has begun in Congress. The Senate and the House will determine the effectiveness of this legislation and how it will affect every one of us. Here’s Senator Burris’s statement.

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Dear fellow Illinoisan,   As Congress debates contentious issues such as health care reform, climate change, and our continued economic recovery, it is more important than ever to keep in touch so that I can faithfully serve your needs in Washington.   To that end, I will be providing details of my legislative efforts in periodic e-newsletters, such as this one. I will also be launching a new website, where you will find information about specific legislation, services my office can provide, and the issues you care about most. In a few weeks, you’ll be able to visit to explore my redesigned online office.   In this edition of my e-newsletter, I would like to address the ongoing national debate over health care reform.   As many of us know all too well, health care costs are spiraling out of control.   I believe Illinoisans deserve better. That’s why we need a public option as part of our health care plan. It’s time to restore choice and accountability to the insurance market.   A public option would save billions of dollars a year, stop companies from denying coverage to those who need it most, and reduce the burden on American businesses and families. This would improve health outcomes and make quality care more affordable for everyone.   A public option would not result in rationed care or “death panels” of any description. It would not force anyone to change their doctor and would not provide benefits to illegal immigrants. As your Senator, I refuse to vote for any measure that would change our system in this way. But I also refuse to vote for anything less than the real, meaningful reform a public option would provide.    I look forward to hearing from you as we all continue to work towards a brighter future for Illinois. It is an honor to serve as your United States Senator. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with me. Senator Burris meets with Illinois medical professionals. www.burris.senate.gov Sincerely, Roland W. Burris

Today we received this note from our Illinois Representative Bill Foster. Congressman Foster appears to be proceeding in OUR best interests as the debates begin.

Website | Biography | District | News | Constituent Services | Contact Dear Benjamin, As Congress continues to debate health care reform, I want to let you know where I stand.  The following are 10 principles that I would like to see included in any proposed health care reform.    1. As a businessman, I know we cannot afford to have the cost of health care double like it has in the last 10 years.  Job one is to reduce health care costs for families and businesses. 2. No CUTS IN MEDICARE FOR SENIORS.  Cut the giveaways to insurance and drug companies instead. 3. We must stop insurance companies from denying coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions or capping lifetime benefits. 4. You should not lose your insurance coverage if you change or lose your job. 5. We should put the nation on a path to assuring affordable, quality health coverage for every American citizen and their children. 6. Insurance reforms must preserve existing choices of doctors and health plans. 7. Health insurance reform should not increase the debt burden for our children. 8. I oppose any attempts to tax workers’ health care benefits. 9. Insurance policies must encourage individual responsibility with wellness programs to improve care, cut costs, and reward Americans for their healthy choices. 10. As a scientist, I know we can prevent medical errors and improve quality of care through computerization of patient records and advanced technology. I greatly value the input of my constituents, so please contact any of my offices with your ideas and concerns as we continue to debate health care reform. Sincerely, Bill Foster E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account. Share on Facebook Please Feel Free to Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: Office Locations Washington, DC 1339 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2976 Batavia, IL 27 North River Street Batavia, IL 60510 (630) 406-1114 Dixon, IL 119 W. First Street Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-0680 Geneseo, IL 137 S. State St., Suite 344 Geneseo, IL 61254 (309) 944-3558

Thanks again Bill!

Illinois Senator Roland Burris was kind enough to send us the links below to view what is going on with the Health Care Reform bills. Once again if we let Congress, the Senate and the House,  know what we want they will respond.

Thanks again Roland Burris on behalf of WE The People. WE especially like the last paragraph indicating that Senator Burris wants to remove the paralysis that is so entrenched in our Federal Governmental process.

Dear Bob:

Thank you for contacting me about posting the health insurance reform bills online. I appreciate the benefit of your views.

Per your request, below you will find links to the major health insurance reform bills that have been put forward in the United States Congress this year:

HR 3200 (House of Representatives):
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.txt.pdf

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s1679pcs.txt.pdf

Senate Finance Committee:
http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/091609%20Americas_Healthy_Future_Act.pdf

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.
Sincerely,

Roland W. Burris
United States Senator

Subsequent to our 9-17-09, post about a 20% increase in Health Care costs based upon an “age adjustment” , we received the following response to our e-mail sent to President Obama. Thanks Barack Obama for your efforts on behalf of the people of this country.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard
from countless Americans struggling to afford health insurance and
health professionals striving to provide care. I appreciate your
perspective.

There is broad consensus among the American people on
the need for affordable, high-quality health care. The rising cost of
health care is the most pressing financial challenge for families and
for our Nation, and controlling this cost is essential to bringing
down the Federal deficits we inherited. We must end unfair
insurance practices that leave millions of Americans without
coverage, denying them access to care, and exposing them to
extraordinary burdens. And we should ensure that all small
business employees have access to affordable, high-quality health
plans so that we can make our economy–and our small businesses-
-more competitive. Now is the time to move forward, and I am
working to get health insurance reform done this year.

Since I took office, we have done more to improve health
care than we have in the previous decade. In February, I signed
H.R. 2 to provide coverage for millions of children through the
Children’s Health Insurance Program, and I signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make key investments in
computerized medical records and preventive services.

Still, more must be done to lower costs, expand coverage,
and improve the quality of health care. My 2010 Budget makes a
major down payment on health insurance reform by implementing
efficiencies in government health care spending while improving
the quality of care. To help fulfill the debt we owe to our service
men and women, it includes the largest proposed single-year
increase in veterans funding in 30 years. It expands health care
coverage to an additional 500,000 veterans by 2013, implements
technology that eases the transition from military care to veterans’
care, and enhances screening and treatment services for those
suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic
Brain Injury.

Looking forward, there are tough choices to be made, and I
will seek to bring employers and workers, health care providers
and patients, and Democrats and Republicans together to create a
system that delivers better care and puts the Nation on a
sustainable, long-term fiscal path. To learn more about my agenda
or to share a personal story, please join me online at:
www.healthreform.gov. For further information on health care and
assistance that may be available to you, you may call 1-800-
FEDINFO or visit: www.usa.gov.

I share the sense of urgency that millions of Americans have
voiced. I watched as my ailing mother struggled with stacks of
insurance forms in the last moments of her life. This is not who
we are as a Nation; together, we will fix it.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama