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QAL-APWU ACTION ALERT
CALL YOUR SENATORS
INSIST THAT THEY FIX THE HEALTH CARE BILL
On Wednesday, Senator Baucus (D-MT), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee released a deeply flawed health care reform bill that fails to meet the most basic promise of health care reform – a guarantee of good, affordable coverage for working families. We know that the Senators will begin “marking up” (making changes and amendments, if any) on Tuesday, September 22nd.
If you are from any of the following states with a Democrat on the Finance Committee, please call your senator today at: 1.877.264.4226.
Blanche Lincoln, AR
Thomas Carper, DE
Bill Nelson, FL
John Kerry, MA
Debbie Stabenow, MI
Max Baucus (Chair), MT
Kent Conrad, ND
Robert Menendez, NJ
Jeff Bingaman, NM
Charles Schumer, NY
Ron Wyden, OR
Maria Cantwell, WA
John Rockefeller, WV
Our main message in these calls should be: “We are deeply troubled by many of the key provisions in the Baucus bill. It would put an enormous burden on working people while letting insurers and employers off scot-free. We need you to fight hard in Committee for major changes in the bill.”
There are a number of specific issues with the Baucus bill that we ask you to mention:
Taxes “High-Cost” Health Plans. The bill would impose an excise tax on certain so-called “high-cost” health plans. This will force cuts in benefits and more cost shifting to workers. This provision makes a lie out of the promise that people will be able to keep the coverage they have. Tell your senator to dump the excise tax, or drastically change it.
Almost No Employer Responsibility. There is no requirement that employers provide coverage or pay into a fund so their workers can get a subsidy purchasing coverage for themselves. The only requirement on employers is that they pay up to $400 a year for any worker who gets a subsidy to purchase. The bill must strengthen the employer-based system; otherwise more of the costs will be borne by families and government. Urge your senator to demand a “pay or play” requirement on employers.
Co-ops Rather than a Public Plan. The bill fails to include a public health insurance plan option as included in the House bills. Instead, it would establish state and regionally based co-ops. These small, non-profit insurance plans will have very little market clout and no ability to drive changes in the market that will lead to lower costs overall. Urge your senator to support a robust public health insurance plan option that would provide true competition.
Thank you for taking action!
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