Public Option

Folks if you want there to be a public option in the health care reform being worked on in Congress you need to start contacting you Congress Critters.
The direct line to leave a comment for the President is 1-202-456-1111

Here is the list of toll-free phone numbers to the congressional switchboard. An operator will connect you to the official of your choice:

1-800-828-0498

1-866-338-1015

1-866-220-0044

1-877-851-6437

If our Representatives in Washington only hear from the folks paid by the insurance companies to call in opposition to the public option then we will get health care reform that your insurance company wants, not the reform that is right for the American public.

Remember, your insurance company LIKES things the way they are. They like being able to refuse insurance to folks with a pre-existing condition, they LIKE being able to ration your health care, they want stand between you and your Doctor and the would really prefer to continue canceling medical coverage for some sick policyholders. (yes they actually admitted that during a Congressional hearing...bastards)

Here is a copy of the email I sent to my Senators and Rep. feel free to steal it:

Dear asshole Senator

I would like some answers to your views on including a public option (NOT single payer) in the health care reform.

There is no true health care reform without a public option. The "line in the sand" for me is a strong public option that would keep insurance companies honest and provide true competition. I would like to know where you stand in regard to the following questions:

Do you support a public health care option as part of health care reform?

If so, do you support a public health care option that is available on day one?

Do you support a public health care option that is national, available everywhere, and accountable to our government?

Do you support a public health care option that has the clout to establish rates with providers and big drug companies?

You do know that in the latest WSJ/NBC poll over 70% of AMERICANS (not health insurance company executives) want there to be a public option included in health care reform. You do know that "executives of three of the nation's largest health insurers told federal lawmakers in Washington on Tuesday that they would continue canceling medical coverage for some sick policyholders". Wow and we are supposed to think that they can be trusted?

As a constituent, I would really like to know the answers to these questions and I ask that you please respond to these questions in writing via email. please do not send me a canned answer, I would really like your (not a staffers) answers.

Thank you for your time, I will be happy to return the favor at election time for those supporting a strong public option.