August 13, 2009
Health Care, Obama's Staff
No Comments
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let’s disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that’s actually been proposed.”
So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we’ve just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage
- Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
- Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
- Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
- Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
- Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
- Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
- Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/
8 common myths about health insurance reform
- Reform will stop “rationing” - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a “government takeover” of health care or lead to “rationing.” To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
- We can’t afford reform: It’s the status quo we can’t afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
- Reform would encourage “euthanasia”: It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
- Vets’ health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans’ access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President’s budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
- Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
- Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare “doughnut” hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
- You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
- No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
- Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
- Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
- Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
- Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
- Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
- The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
- Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
- The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
August 7, 2009
Energy, Health Care, Obama, U.S. Law and Policy
No Comments
Dear MoveOn member,
It’s getting ugly out there.
All across the country, right-wing extremists are disrupting congressional town-hall meetings with venomous attacks on President Obama’s plans for health care and clean energy.
- Last night in Tampa, Florida, a town hall meeting erupted into violence, with the police being called to break up fist fights and shoving matches.1
- A Texas Democrat was shouted down by right-wing hecklers, many of whom admitted they didn’t even live in his district.2
- One North Carolina representative announced he wouldn’t be holding any town-hall meetings after his office began receiving death threats.3
- And in Maryland, protesters hung a Democratic congressman in effigy to oppose health-care reform.4
We’ve got a plan to fight back against these radical right-wingers. We’ve hired skilled grassroots organizers who are working with thousands of local volunteers to show Congress that ordinary Americans continue to support President Obama’s agenda for change. And we’re building new online tools to track events across the country and make sure MoveOn members turn out at each one.
But we need to scale up our efforts quickly to make sure this plan works. To really swing into action during this month’s congressional recess, we need to raise at least $250,000 immediately. Can you chip in $20 to support our work?
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/august.html?id=16748-9659800-yeA0K3x&t=1
If the shouts of the right-wing mobs are the only voices our senators and representatives hear over the recess, we’ll have a hard time passing health care and clean energy legislation.
That’s why we’re launching our Heat Up Congress campaign so quickly to fight back, using new technology to implement rapid response town hall turnout, organizing personal phone calls from small business leaders and donors to their representatives, running new ads, and activating an energized network of on-the-ground organizers and volunteers.
This month could decide the future of health care and clean energy in America—and we’re already one week in. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now’s the time to get involved. Talk to your neighbors, go to a town hall meeting—and today, please chip in $20 to support our work:
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/august.html?id=16748-9659800-yeA0K3x&t=2
Thanks for all you do.
–Justin, Matt, Nita, Kat and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. “Tampa Town Hall On Health Care Reform Disrupted By Violence,” The Huffington Post, August 6, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51727&id=16748-9659800-yeA0K3x&t=3
2. “Local Fox Reporter Attends Town Hall And Finds ‘Some Attendees Admit They Don’t Live In The District,’” Think Progress, August 4, 2009
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/04/gene-green-townhall/
3. “Dem Congressman’s Office: His Life Has Been Threatened Over Health Care Bill,” Talking Points Memo, August 5, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51724&id=16748-9659800-yeA0K3x&t=4
4. “The Danger Over the Right’s Anger,” Politico, August 3, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51726&id=16748-9659800-yeA0K3x&t=5
Want to support our work? We’re entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.
July 29, 2009
Health Care, Obama, Politics, U.S. Law and Policy
No Comments
Dear Friend,
If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.
Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill.
It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:
- No discrimination for pre-existing conditions
- No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays
- No cost-sharing for preventive care
- No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill
- No gender discrimination
- No annual or lifetime caps on coverage
- Extended coverage for young adults
- Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid
Learn more about these consumer protections at Whitehouse.gov.
Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt.
It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network.
Thank you,
Barack Obama
May 21, 2009
American Voices, Health Care
No Comments
President Obama is sending out his message too.
I like the digital fource that is being pushed out there.
Keep it up Mr. President & MoveOn.org
————
The chance to finally reform our nation’s health care system is here.
While Congress moves rapidly to produce a detailed plan, I have made it
clear that real reform must uphold three core principles — it must
reduce costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality care for every
American.
As we know, challenging the status quo will not be easy. Its defenders
will claim our goals are too big, that we should once again settle for
half measures and empty talk. Left unanswered, these voices of doubt
might yet again derail the comprehensive reform we so badly need.
That’s where you come in.
When our opponents spread fear and confusion about the changes we seek,
your support for these core principles will show clarity and resolve.
When the lobbyists for the status quo tell Congress to hold back, your
personal story will give them the courage to press forward.
Join my call: Ask Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009:
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
After adding your name, please consider sharing your personal story
about the importance of health care reform in your life and the lives
of those you love.
I will be personally reviewing many of these signatures and stories. If you speak up now, your voice will make a difference.
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
American families are watching their premiums rise four times faster
than their wages. Spiraling health care costs are shackling America’s
businesses, curtailing job growth and slowing the economy at the worst
possible time. This has got to change.
I know personal stories can drive that change, because I know how my
mother’s experience continues to drive me. She passed away from ovarian
cancer a little over a decade ago. And in the last weeks of her life,
when she was coming to grips with her own mortality and showing
extraordinary courage just to get through each day, she was spending
too much time worrying about whether her health insurance would cover
her bills. She deserved better. Every American deserves better. And
that’s why I will not rest until the dream of health care reform is
finally achieved in the United States of America.
Please add your name to join my call. Then share your personal story about why you too will not rest until this job is done.
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
Last November, the American people sent Washington a clear mandate for
change. But when the polls close, the true work of citizenship begins.
That’s what Organizing for America is all about. Now, in these crucial
moments, your voice once again has extraordinary power. I’m counting on
you to use it.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
Donate: https://donate.barackobama.com/HealthCareDonate1
May 20, 2009
Health Care, Obama, U.S. Law and Policy
1 Comment
Dear MoveOn member,
Breaking news on health care: The Washington Post is now reporting that
insurance giant Blue Cross Blue Shield “is putting the finishing touches
on a public message campaign aimed at killing a key plank in Obama’s
reform platform.”1
The Huffington Post sums it up as “Insurers Planning on Double-Crossing
Obama.”2
We knew the insurance companies would eventually turn on the president,
but this is much sooner than expected. And they’re targeting the public
health insurance option–the crucial piece that will help cover everyone.
So we’re immediately launching a rapid-response campaign to go toe-to-toe
with Blue Cross Blue Shield and win quality health care for all
Americans.
We need to raise $150,000 in the next two days. It’s a lot, but we’ll need
every penny to take on Goliath. We’ll run ads, hold events, and work like
crazy to get the real truth out to voters. AND we’ll keep the pressure on
Congress to make sure they don’t get bullied into gutting the president’s
plan to guarantee health care coverage for everyone. Can you chip in
$20 right now to make it happen?
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/blueshield.html?id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=9
The public health insurance option is a key provision in Obama’s plan to
help cover all of us. It would finally give everyone the choice between
keeping our current insurance or switching to a new, high-quality public
plan. And under a public health insurance plan our premiums wouldn’t
subsidize CEO salaries or stockholder profits (or in this case, misleading
attack ads), so we’d all save a lot on health care costs.
Plus, if we had the choice of a public plan, private insurers would have
to lower rates and improve quality to compete, so they’re dead set against
it. Today’s news just confirms that fact.
In the past, Blue Cross Blue Shield has been sued for underpaying doctors
and fined for refusing to cover necessary medical treatments for their
customers.3 Now, with what watchdog group Media Matters calls a “desperate
attempt to deceive,”4 they’ve gone one step too far.
Can you chip in $20 to help stand against Blue Cross Blue Shield and
pass health care reform with a strong public option?
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/blueshield.html?id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=10
Thanks for all you do.
–Patrick S., Joan, Michael, Ilyse and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. “North Carolina’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Trying to Kill Key Plank of
Obama Plan,” Washington Post, May 18, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51432&id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=11
2. “Harry and Louise Are Back: Insurers Planning on Double-Crossing
Obama,” Huffington Post, May 18, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51433&id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=12
3. “BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina’s Desperate Attempt to
Deceive,” Media Matters, May 19. 2009
http://mediamattersaction.org/factcheck/200905190001
4. Ibid.
References
Visible links
. https://pol.moveon.org/donate/blueshield.html?id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=9
. https://pol.moveon.org/donate/blueshield.html?id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=10
. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51432&id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=11
. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51433&id=16165-9659800-wO2Gsex&t=12
. http://mediamattersaction.org/factcheck/200905190001
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