More than 150 activists come together to thank Members of New Hampshire's congressional delegation for supporting health care reform legislation and send them back to DC to get it done - quickly.
As Congress makes plans to go back to work after its August recess, New Hampshire health care reform advocates are sending their representatives off with a mission: "pass health care reform, and quick!" More than 150 people from across the state gathered in Portsmouth today as part of a nationwide effort to thank our representatives for their commitment to health insurance reform and celebrate progress towards giving every American quality, affordable health insurance.
Windam resident and small business owner Scott Baetz spoke at the event, and encouraged Congress to do whatever it takes to help New Hampshire families who are struggling to afford even bare-bones health insurance plans. "As a small business owner, I have personally watched my health care expenses literally triple in the same number of years. When we once offered a best of breed plan, we now only offer a high-deductible plan. I'm afraid that we may not even be able to afford that much longer," said Baetz.
Those in attendance thanked Representatives Paul Hodes and Carol Shea Porter for their commitment to reform, but reminded them that every day health care reform is delayed, real people in New Hampshire are affected. "Health insurance reform should not be about scoring political points. It's about people's lives. It's about people's businesses. It's about our country's future," said Laura Mick of Manchester, NH, who was born with a cyst and water around her brain and has been denied private health insurance because she has a pre-existing condition. "I have health insurance through the New Hampshire Health Plan, but I have a $10,000 deductible, have to pay $100 a month in premiums and still cannot choose which doctor I see."
Noticeably absent from the event was Senator Judd Gregg. In July, as a member of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pension Committee, Gregg voted against health care reform despite the pleas of New Hampshire's working families. Gregg continues to oppose comprehensive reform, which would protect the millions of Americans who already have insurance, but aren't getting the care they need because of sky-rocketing out of pocket expenses and unfair insurance company practices.
The event was sponsored by Health Care for America Now!, New Hampshire for Health Care and Organizing for America. This year, the Service Employees International Union's (SEIU) Change that Works/New Hampshire for Health Care campaign has taken part in thousands of events across the country, including dozens in New Hampshire, promoting health insurance reform that puts patients back in control of their health care.
