DODD: Join the debate = Health Care

Join the debate
Thursday, June 11, 2009 11:02 AM via e-mail
http://www.chrisdodd.com/Action/HealthCareStories


We took on the credit card companies and won. We've taken on big tobacco, and we are on the verge of winning again with a bill that will protect kids from the dangers of smoking and finally allow the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco.

But we're not taking a break. This week, we put forward landmark legislation to reform the nation's health care system. Our bill does the following:

* Covers All Americans. Our legislation will provide health care to all Americans.
* Reduces the Costs of Health Care. Our bill will reduce health care costs through higher quality care, preventive health measures, and increased health information technology.
* Adds Choices for Patients. If you like the coverage you have now, you can keep it. But if you don't have health insurance or don't like the coverage you have, our legislation will give you new, more affordable health care options.
* Modernizes the Health Care System. It's finally time to modernize the health care system for the 21st Century by making large investments in training doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals. Our legislation will ensure that patient care is better coordinated and addresses individual needs.
* Improves Long Term Care. Our legislation will make it possible for elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities to live at home independently instead of having to move to a nursing home.

I'm playing a key role in this fight, and I need your help. I've started by convening working groups with my fellow Democrats on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Now we are starting Senate hearings on the reform bill. And I'm going to work closely with President Obama to make sure that the principles we care about end up in the final health care reform bill.

I need your help to make this happen. The first step is to get input from as many people as possible all over the country, from ordinary Americans to health care experts.

I want you to have your chance to speak out. If you have something to say -- an idea, a suggestion, your own story to share -- please send me your thoughts.

Make your voice heard in the health care debate.


http://www.chrisdodd.com/Action/HealthCareStories

This is the single biggest issue facing the American people, and together we have an important role to play. But if we work together, I know we can take on the special interests and win health care for all Americans.

Thanks for helping,

Chris Dodd

(I didn't find anything at the link or in the e-mail to specifically identify the bill referenced).

to hell with insurance companies overseeing our healthcare and Medicare for all with one small premium that includes dental, vision and prescriptions (all prescriptions all of the time).

First of all, "we" did certainly did NOT win over the credit card companies with the weak legislation put forth.

I'm glad Dodd wants my answer on this... He's gonna get it, and it will probably go something like this...

Insurance companies should re-trench their operations to life and casualty, so that they have to make an honest day's living. Insurance companies would have never seen the obscene profits after hurricane (fill the in blank, all the way from the 90's to date), if they had not diversified into "health".

It's bullshit, and it's over for "Health Insurance" to run this scenario.

It'll be something like that, I'm sure.

Consumers are now getting hit with higher fees and higher interest rates. And this is for people who pay on time and have good credit!

So...exactly WHO won? It would seem it's not the American people.

What relief is provided doesn't begin until months from now, and it's not much considering the sweeping bills that have passed over the last few years, granting credit card companies incredible power to manipulate their customers.

I support HR 676, unfortunately President Obama and the Democrats have prevented discussion of this idea and have instead sided with health insurance companies who add no value to their "product." The only purpose for their existence is to create a profit center where they can divert health care dollars to profits for shareholders and CEO's.

The U.S. is Not in the financial position to ignore the most cost effective system.

Any legislation that is put forth without including a full discussion receives no consideration or support from me.

Sincerely,


In edit - thanks for posting :)

:hi:

Seriously wondering. Is anyone going to read through these?

when he was "filibustering" against FISA. How'd that go, Chris?

I would support and what I would not. If we had a public option that was truly a good plan, would make insurance companies compete, and would not allow insurance companies to stick their oar into the public plan, then I would support it. Also had to be affordable and could not have any of the pre-existing denials. But I also made it clear that it is my second choice and would prefer single payer. I am still leary of private insurance causing costs to continue to rise.