Thoughts on the Health Care Reform Rally

U.S. Census reports that 5.5 million Texans (that's 1 in 4) are uninsured. Yesterday there were well over 560 Texans rallying in support of health care reform! So, it was kind of like 1 supporter representing 10,000 uninsured Texan!

We gathered outside the AFL-CIO building on 11th and Lavaca at 1 PM, heard Congressman Doggett, Texas Senator Kirk Watson, and others speak about health care reform. I saw folks from the Capital City Young Democrats, South Austin Democrats, Texas State Employees Union, and many others standing side by side. We held signs outside the AFL-CIO and asked folks to "HONK for HEALTH CARE REFORM." -I wish I would've gotten a picture of that sign, but I was busy sweating and chanting my support! (teehee)

I did capture a short video clip of our march from the AFL-CIO down to Woolridge Park.




Also out there were debaters in opposition of Congress reforming the broken health care system. Here's one video clip from KVUE. Some of the people on the opposing side found themselves compelled to cross the street and attempt to bait people into arguments by using insults, others shouted from across the street, "Did you read the bill!" Totally valid question, and that's why I did research on the state of uninsured Texans as well as on the bill that's before the U.S. House.

So here a few facts about the uninsured, followed by reasons why to support the House Bill, and I end this week's blog with two things you can do to get behind health care reform.

• Health Insurance Coverage Facts
  
• Click on hyperlink to view source.
  
• * Fastest growing group of uninsured make $75,000 or more!
• - may be due to high premium costs
• - "The number of uninsured grows because private insurance is not affordable or available."
• * 3 in 4 low-wage workers at small private businesses did not receive health ins. coverage through their employer (2002)
• * "Over the long term, rising health care costs contribute to higher insurance premiums and make fewer individuals and companies able to afford insurance." See image below, click on image to go to source.
• * According to one study, nearly a third (30%) of U.S. health care expenses are misspent on inefficient or ineffective care.
  

• Why Support House Health Reform Bill
• based on information from the Center on Public Policy Priorities
• * The bill provides protection against high out-of-pocket costs
  
• * It would give strong affordability protections and extra help for small businesses
  
• * Steps would be made to improve health care and reduce wasteful spending
• * House Bill 3200 America's Affordable Health Choices Act includes a child-specific benefit package so that children who get health coverage through the new Health Insurance Exchanges will have the benefits they need.

• *Bonus* The Congressional Budget Office indicates that the bill would be cost-neutral over the 10-year budget window, and would -in fact- create a $6 billion surplus!

• Action Items
  
• * On 7/28 call Democratic Members of Texas Delegation at 1-877-264-4226, a Health Care for America Now (HCAN) event.
• * Call U.S. House members at the Capitol Hill switchboard toll-free at 1-866-277-7617; or 1-202-224-3121 if toll-free lines are busy -voice your support for the bill, ask the House to send a strong bill to the Senate.
  

Have a great week!