As Health Care Reform Progresses, ABC Helps Members Take Action As proposals to reform our nation's health care system continue to make their way through Congress, ABC is reaching out to its member companies to make them aware of the impact these measures could have on their employees and businesses. In addition, ABC is offering members an online toolkit that will provide the materials necessary to communicate effectively with their elected representatives.
The U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Energy and Commerce is considering “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009” (H.R. 3200), the same bill that was favorably reported out of the House Committee on Education and Labor July 15 and the House Committee on Ways and Means July 17. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) July 15 passed a similar bill, while yet another version is being considered in the Senate Finance Committee.
Despite the apparent momentum on this front, Congress is still scheduled to break for their August recess without passing a comprehensive healthcare measure. During that upcoming four week period, ABC is encouraging all members to make their voices heard on the need to focus on practical and affordable solutions for improving the health care system. These solutions include making sure benefits are portable, allowing for construction employees to move freely between jobs and across state lines, and eliminating healthcare coverage “pay or play” mandates that would force employers to provide health care or pay a fine.
Calls, emails and face-to-face meetings are the most effective methods of communicating with members of Congress and the toolkit contains a telephone script; side-by-side comparisons of proposed health care plans; an explanatory fact sheet; ABC’s position on health care reform; and links to send email directly to your elected officials. In addition, the toolkit contains updates on the progress on the Hill, the latest relevant news articles, and a newsletter article template.
In a letter sent to members of the HELP committee prior to their vote, ABC stated its position on health care reform, commending the effort to improve the health care system, but expressing concern over the lack of practical or affordable solutions.
“While we recognize the need for reform, we feel as though it should be done responsibly,” ABC stated in the letter. “True reform must provide greater choice and affordability and should allow private insurers to compete for business.”
To access the toolkit, visit
www.abc.org/healthcare.