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November 5, 2009

To:        Members of the House of Representatives

From:     Mary G. Wilson, President

Re:        Pass Comprehensive Health Care Legislation with a Public Option

The League of Women Voters supports H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, and we urge you to pass this essential legislation now.  We believe that it is imperative for Congress to send real health care reform to the President for his signature as soon as possible.

The current health care system is endangering our economy and our health.  Congress needs to pass comprehensive health care reform, and the public option is a vital component.  All Americans must have health care coverage, including the choice of a quality, affordable public insurance plan. 

It is universal coverage that will determine the humanity of our system.  Legislation must guarantee access to comprehensive and essential benefits to all U.S. residents.  The public option will make it possible for Americans who cannot obtain coverage through traditional employer-sponsored plans to find coverage at a reasonable price.

But ensuring universal coverage is not the only advantage of the public option.  It will increase consumer choice and lower overall health care costs.  As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Over the last three decades, increases in the amount we spend on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. If nothing is done to control costs, we could be spending $3 trillion for health care by 2011 and $4.2 trillion by 2016.

The League believes that cost containment measures must take place in the context of overall health care reform.  We must reduce or eliminate the cost-shifting that currently exists in health care financing and work to streamline the system.  Legislation must provide effective cost controls, equitable distribution of services and allow for efficient and economical delivery of care.  Offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans will be key.

In addition, we need to provide for quality and safety in the health care system.  We believe that health care legislation must establish a system-wide program to coordinate information, establish best practices and provide consumers the information they need to protect themselves and their families.  It is essential that comparative data on treatments, benefits packages and medical outcomes be made publicly available so that individuals can make informed health decisions and so costs can be controlled.

Congress needs to demonstrate real leadership and move forward by passing comprehensive health care reform, including the public option.  The League of Women Voters urges you to pass H.R. 3962.