I couldn't agree more. In fact, I ran for Congress to fix our broken health care system. Over the past month, I've spoken with small business owners, families, and health care professionals across the state about the health care crisis, and it's clearer than ever to me that our current system is simply unsustainable.

 

While the 111th Congress has made more progress on health insurance reform than ever before, we still have a long way to go to make quality, affordable health insurance for every single American a reality.

 

That's because the health insurance industry, Rush Limbaugh, and the Republican party will do whatever it takes to maintain the status quo by scaring senior citizens, small business owners, and middle-class families.

 

When Congress reconvenes next month, I'll need your help to carry on the fight here in Michigan while I fight for health insurance reform in Washington.

 

You can help by setting the record straight about some of the myths that are circulating over the internet. Here is some helpful information you can share with your friends, family and colleagues...

 

FACT: This legislation shifts control away from the big health insurance companies and gives it to consumers, not the government. Insurance companies will be required to offer coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions or medical history, and they will be prohibited from dropping coverage or raising rates when people get sick. Consumers will have the option of voluntarily choosing a "public option," which must follow the same rules and regulations that private insurance companies follow, including staying in the black financially.

 

FACT: Under health insurance reform, you will be guaranteed the option of keeping your current health care plan and doctor. If you are unhappy or do not have coverage, you can shop for a plan through an online insurance "exchange" of different private providers as well as a "public option." Even if you lose your private insurance or choose not to have insurance, you will not be forced to join the public option. 

 

FACT: This legislation will strengthen Medicare, costing seniors less and covering more. First, preventative care such as regular check-ups will entirely be covered. Second, many seniors currently fall into the Medicare "donut hole," where they are not reimbursed for certain prescription drug costs. This legislation would gradually erase the "donut hole" and help seniors save money on their prescriptions. Third, more money will be invested to fight fraud and waste, making sure funds allocated to help senior citizens will do just that. 

 

FACT: This legislation explicitly states that people living here illegally will not receive assistance. 

 

FACT: Most businesses would not be affected by this legislation. Small businesses of payrolls of less than $500,000 will not have to provide coverage. However, if a small business decides to offer coverage, they will be eligible for tax credits in order to help with the cost. For businesses of a payroll between $500,000 and $750,000, they will be charged a sliding-scale fee of 2% to 6% of their payroll to help offset the cost of affordability credits for use in the exchange. Businesses with payrolls over $750,000 will have to pay a fee of 8% of their payroll. 

 

FACT: Under our current system, health care decisions are already being rationed by health insurance companies. This legislation will leave all health care decisions up to you and your doctor - at no time will a government bureaucrat decide what procedures or medications you need.

 

FACT: Seniors on Medicare will have the option to talk to their doctor about end-of-life counseling (living will, etc.) once every five years and their doctor will be reimbursed for the visit. Nowhere in the bill is euthanasia offered, let alone encouraged. 

 

Now is the time to fight the fear tactics that others are using to block health insurance reform. You can help by forwarding this e-mail to ten people you know with a personal note about why you think we need to fix our broken health care system.

 

Together, I know we can get the job done this year and build a uniquely American health care system that costs less and covers more to help get our economy back on track. 

 

As always, thanks for your continued support.