Titus will vote for HC ‘reform’

For those who held out hope Rep. Dina Titus might break from the Democrat lemming march to health care "reform", kid yourselves no longer.

Here is what she is telling constituents who are urging her to vote "no" on the current HC package:

Dear Mr. Bell,

Thank you for contacting me about health insurance reform. Americans across the country are struggling to afford the high price of health care or lack access to the care they need, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

In Nevada nearly a quarter of 18- to 64-year-olds go without health care coverage, and as the effects of the recession continue to grip our region, more Nevadans are losing their insurance or are finding it harder to keep up with rising costs. Health insurance reforms are also critical for small businesses; over the past decade the average health insurance premium has more than doubled for small businesses. Without comprehensive health care reform, Nevada small business health premiums are projected to double again over the next decade. In fact, 28 million uninsured Americans are small business owners, employees, and their families - 60% of our nation's entire uninsured population. 

As the health care debate in Washington, D.C., continues, one thing is clear: the status quo is unacceptable. In my 20 years in the Nevada Legislature and in my short time in Congress, I have strongly supported health insurance reform. I campaigned on the issue, President Barack Obama has promised it, the people have demanded it, and the country needs it.

The average American family pays an extra $1,100 a year in premiums to support the uninsured. And with premiums having doubled in nine years and growing three times as fast as wages, now is the time to act.

But to make health insurance reform a success, we must do it right. Nevada and our nation need health insurance reform that lowers costs, improves the quality of care, and allows those who like their doctor or current plan to keep both. I want people to be in control of their health care, not insurance company CEOs or government.

The Affordable Health Care for America Acthas been endorsed by AARP and the American Medical Association and will reduce costs, improve access, increase choice, and strengthen Medicare. In the Third Congressional District, the bill will improve employer-based coverage for 637,000 residents, improve Medicare for 120,000 beneficiaries, and allow 18,900 small businesses to obtain affordable health coverage. Additionally, it will provide coverage for 115,000 uninsured residents of the Third Congressional District. That is why I was pleased to support this legislation, which passed by a vote of 220 to 215 on November 7. It includes an important amendment I offered that improves the benefits for small businesses.  The amendment increases the size of small businesses that can enter into the Health Insurance Exchange and join together to purchase insurance at a lower cost.

The Senate has passed a health care reform bill as well, but further action must be taken before a bill is sent to the President's desk.  As the effort to reform our health care system continues, we must work together, across party lines, to pass legislation that is simple and straightforward, that focuses on insurance reform as well as expanded coverage, and brings down the deficit. 

Thank you again for taking the time to get involved.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of future service.  

Sincerely,

Dina Titus

Member of Congress