I just received an interesting e-mail from BreakTheMatrix that had some information I thought I would share with you.
Find Out What You Are Paying For (And Don’t Need)
State mandates for health insurance are a major factor in the high cost of coverage. I did some research to find out what exactly I’m paying for in my state. You won’t believe some of the things I found… find out the mandates for YOUR state here.
There are 2133 state mandates (Minnesota has 68 mandates) that are responsible for 20-50% of health insurance premium costs. Please help spread the word that reducing these mandates is a valid way to “reform” healthcare and make it more affordable for millions… instead of spending TRILLIONS of dollars on a bloated, bureaucracy-laden, anti-freedom plan that WON’T WORK. There ARE alternatives… we just need to force Congress to consider them!
The most common state mandates:
Alcoholism/substance abuse treatment
Breast reconstruction
Diabetic supplies
Emergency services
Mammography
Maternity minimum stay
Mental health parity
Source: Council for Affordable Health Insurance
Unusual mandates:
Athletic trainer
Circumcision
Hair prosthesis
Midwife
Naturopath
Oriental medicine
Pastoral counseling
Port wine stain elimination (birthmark removal)
Residential crisis service
Source: Council for Affordable Health Insurance
So… maybe there’s a good reason for these mandates?
Nope!
J.P. Wieske, director of state affairs for the Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI), says “For state legislators, [mandates are] used as a special interest tool to reward lobbyists with a specific mandate and let someone else pay for it”
So, I have a question for Congress and President Obama: Can any of you tell me why this isn’t being discussed as part of your health care reform plan?
It seems pretty logical to me: Don’t make people pay for coverage they don’t need, then when premiums are significantly lower, won’t millions more Americans be able to afford healthcare?
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Health Care Hoax… |
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As the debate continues on health care reform across the United States and on Capitol Hill, Republicans are speaking out to set the record straight on the facts about President Obama and Democrats’ health care reform proposals. Republicans on the Hill have continued to be shut out from the legislative process in the quest for “bipartisan” health care reform.
House Republicans presented their own amendments to health care legislation being considered by three House Committees (Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Education & Labor).
In a recent press release, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)highlights over 31 amendments that were defeated by Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leadership without serious consideration. Some of the amendments included proposals that eliminated the ‘public option’ plan, prevented government bureaucrats from determining patient treatment, removed requirements forcing employers to provide health care coverage for all employees, as well as a plan to help small businesses purchase health plans at lower costs. To read more about these blocked amendments, please click here.
In the Senate, Finance Committee Chairman, Max Baucus (D-MT), is working behind closed doors with five of his colleagues on the committee to present a health care proposal. While this proposal seemingly appears to take a more realistic approach than the House proposal, the same concepts are at the heart of this legislation. Universal coverage remains the main objective of health care legislation in both the House and Senate. For a great analysis of the Baucus plan, please click here.
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| TAKE ACTION ON HEALTH CARE REFORM! | |
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**This idea was shared by members of our Texas Federation of Republican Women.**
The Kerr County Republican Party of Texas has provided a template letter and print ad they are using to reach out to local physicians, pledging their support to fight against nationalized health care. This is a template for you to modify depending upon whether your club, your county party, state party or your local physicians are interested in outreach on health care reform. Please click here to visit our Legislative Action Center. The templates are posted under the “Focus On The Issues” Section. ANYONE can do this. If you are not able to run an ad or find someone else to create one, coordinate a letter writing campaign.
With the upcoming Congressional Break, we will have the opportunity to really make an impact during the most critical point in the debate.
Let your voice be heard!
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On the Hill |
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On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 to approve the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. The full Senate confirmation vote is expected sometime next week.
Blue Dog Democrats are continuing to express opposition to parts of the health care overhaul proposals in the House. Their opposition is expected to help delay a vote on the House Democrats’ plan until after Labor Day.
On Tuesday, House Republicans launched a floor protest over the Democrats’ Health Care Proposals.
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CAP ALERT |
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On Monday, July 20, the NFRW issued a CAP ALERT on health care reform.
As one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the nation, it is important to make our voices heard on this important issue.
Contact all Representatives and Senators today to let them know we want health care reform-but we do not support these plans!
For more information, check out the CAP ALERT.
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SD52 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Sunday, July 26th, 10:00am
Senate District 52 is holding a volunteer appreciation breakfast at the Water Street Inn in downtown Stillwater, MN on the final day of Lumberjack Days.
MENU:
Fluffy scrambled eggs, o’brien potatoes, bacon & sausage links, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, coffee and tea.
The breakfast is compliments of SD52. Come down and have a chance to meet with your local BPOU Chair and other committee members over a tasty breakfast. Then after breakfast, join us in walking the Lumberjack Days Parade!
Water Street Inn
101 South Water Street
Stillwater, MN 55082