Health Care

Too many families in Maryland and across the country are struggling with the skyrocketing costs of health insurance. Over the past ten years, average family premiums have risen three times faster than wages-and there are 55,000 people in the Fifth District who don't have health coverage at all. Maryland families can't afford the status quo.

Right now, your Congress is considering legislation that would improve health care for all Americans. If we don't act now, health care costs for families and businesses are expected to increase by an average of $1,800 per year, and millions of families will no longer be able to afford their coverage. If we do nothing, health care costs will consume 25% of our economy by 2025. The consequences of inaction are simply too great.

That's why Congressman Steny Hoyer is helping lead the fight for comprehensive health insurance reform.

Congressman Hoyer supports a reform plan that will make health coverage affordable for all of us. Here's what health insurance reform would mean for you and your family:

• Greater Stability: Health care coverage today is susceptible to unpredictable cost increases and decisions by insurance companies to change or drop coverage. Reform will ensure greater peace of mind by ensuring that insurance companies cannot put caps on your coverage or drop you if you get sick. And if you already have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid or the VA, there will be no requirement to change your coverage or the doctor you have.

• More Affordable: Reform makes coverage affordable by placing a cap on what insurance companies can charge you for out-of-pocket expenses. And because a reformed system will help cover everyone, it will eliminate the $1,100 "hidden tax" we pay to cover the expenses of the uninsured. Reform will also phase out the "donut hole" for Medicare beneficiaries and end co-payments for preventive treatments.

• More Access: Today, health insurance companies are allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, like asthma and diabetes. With reform, health insurers will be required to offer affordable coverage to everyone, including those with pre-existing conditions.

• More Coverage: Reform will help small businesses offer coverage to their employees by allowing them to purchase insurance through a National Health Insurance Exchange where they can access policies at the cheaper rates now offered only to larger firms. Reform will also allow small employers who provide insurance access to a new tax credit.

• More Choice: Reform puts you and your doctor in control of your health care decisions. There will be no requirement to change your coverage or your doctor. But if you lack coverage or you're unhappy with your existing plan, you'll have more affordable options to choose from.

• Better Quality: Health insurance reform will create minimum standards of care, which will improve the quality of care we all receive. An emphasis will be put on prevention and wellness.

• Budget-Friendly: Health insurance reform is fully paid for and won't add a dime to the government's budget deficit.

Today, millions of families are suffering because of skyrocketing health care costs, denied coverage or delayed care. And if we don't enact reform now, countless more will suffer tomorrow. Please join Congressman Hoyer in his effort to bring greater health care stability for all Americans with coverage you can count on.