Legislative Update by Congressman Mike Ross

Fighting for Affordable Health Insurance
 
September 17, 2004
 
America is often called the "Land of Opportunity."  Why, then, are so many Americans today not given the opportunity to acquire affordable health insurance? The number of Americans lacking health insurance is 44 million, with projections showing the number to rise to 52 million by 2009.  At any given point over the past two years, 75 million Americans have been uninsured for at least six months. 

These statistics are astounding and absolutely unacceptable.  Americans should not be expected to live without quality, affordable healthcare, no matter their social standing.  But health insurance premiums continue to rise!             

New data shows premiums are increasing almost fourteen percent this year, the third year of double-digit inflation.  The typical family policy costs $9,000, and the amount workers are paying for their share has increased by almost fifty percent over the past three years. 

As a Member of Congress, I have worked long and hard alongside my colleagues to provide Americans with more options.  We proposed  changes such as implementing a small business tax credit, creating FamilyCare health coverage, more options for older Americans who lost their job or whose employers dropped their retiree benefits, common sense insurance reform, affordable prescription drug plans - the list is endless.   

Unfortunately, my colleagues and I are still fighting for improved coverage. While it appears we are fighting an uphill battle, I am confident common sense will eventually prevail and we will win this war against the unconceivable notion that all Americans should not be awarded the coverage they desperately need and deserve.


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