CHAOS NOW -#3 Senator Mark Udall

#3- Senator Mark Udall

The concept of them, you and me can be easily demonstrated by the process of communicating with our elected officials. The idea that our elected officials represent ME is totally wrong. Elected officials represent their party and “THEY” that support the party.

I am not talking about YOU who support the party; I am talking about THEM that pull the chains behind the party. THEY want you to believe the party – democrat, republican, liberal or whatever name they want to use – is organized by those who think the same. Every party creates a platform of their vision for America and decides who will run for office. YOU or I will never have a chance to run for office for anything higher than the local Board of Education because YOU or I are not on their list.

In August and September I emailed the elected representatives from my State – Colorado- about the Peoples Health Care Plan. I can only imagine the mentality of our officials sitting in their offices listening to all the big money represented in the debate over every bill before them. Since very few elected politicians have actually run a business all they know is government. With such a narrow view of the world, how can they develop new ideas if I do not send them mine?

First you have to understand what you have to go through to send them an email. You have to be in their district, include your complete name, address and phone number. What about those that chair committee’s? Like Pelosi? She pretty runs the House of Representatives but she is from San Francisco – therefore she will not accept my emails. The reality of our government is that it is run by THEM with the most influence and since YOU and I have no influence our ideals and visions fall on deaf ears.

It makes me angry that a) a response took months and b) the Senator’s statements are so vague they can only lead to more miss-understandings. His statements only lead to more questions which is why I write this. You cannot accept these statements as truth. You cannot expect your best interests to be address. The only way to create effective policies for you are when you don’t let vague statements become fact. ASK MORE QUESTIONS and DEMAND IMMEDIATE ANSWERS!

THEY and the ones THEY control do not want you to ask questions.

Anyway, below is the complete response from Senator Mark Udall. I don’t know if you have read the current bill they are going to continue working on after the holidays, but I have. I would like to address the 5 points Udall makes:

1) allow people who like the coverage they currently have to keep it;

Is this a stand-alone point? Or is he making his point that the “plan” has to include all 5 points? I guess this is just being politically correct. Without making this distinction, he is playing it safe.

2) bring costs down so that all Coloradans are able to cover their families while staying within their means;

There is no way the current bill brings down the costs. There are only 4 ways the government can bring down costs and none of these are in the bill. In fact the bill increases the costs across the board:

A) reduce the cost of operating the health care system (as proposed in the Peoples Plan).
B) expand the coverage nationally so States in good health pay for States with bad health.
C) place government restrictions on all medical services.
D) provide extensive training and re-education forcing the health care system into preventive care vs. treatment of the sick.

3) preserve the critical doctor-patient relationship, ensuring that decisions about treatment are made by those who know the patient the best;

This is a no-brainier but the bill only does this PART OF THE TIME! Elective surgery is controlled by the government and health insurance company. And its the government that decides what is elective. For example: Hip replacement surgery would be considered “elective” for someone 70+ but maybe not for someone still productive in the work place. Facial burns and other slight deformities could as easily be defined as elective. Not only does the government reserve the right to define elective, they are going to TAX elective surgery!

4) call for insurers to provide coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions or medical history;

This is a combination of # 1 and #2. The effect of this is far different than what it sounds like and there are multiple questions that have to be answered to determine what this really means. Today an insurance company defines the prices based on every State. States with a more healthy population pay less than States with an unhealthy population. If we are to take #4 literally, then the healthy are going to pay more allowing coverage for the unhealthy. So how the current bill a) allow some to keep their policy if they like it when the premiums have to increase; or b) bring down ANY costs?

5) be fiscally responsible.

What does this mean? Fiscally responsible to whom? For how long? Our elected officials have the obligation to be fiscally responsible to the people who elected them. They do not have the obligation or the responsibility to be fiscally responsible to the PEOPLE as a whole. So how is this even attained?

November 21, 2009

Dear Bryant,

Thank you for contacting me regarding health insurance reform.  I appreciate your taking the time to express your specific views on this important topic facing our nation.

As you know, many proposals have been put on the table for reforming our health care system to make it work for all Americans.  I recognize there are many, often competing, philosophies and ideas on the best way to move forward.  As your Senator, it is my job to listen closely to the various stakeholders involved in this process as well as actively seek out input from across the state to help inform my understanding of what is best for Colorado.  One thing I firmly believe, however, is that the status quo is unacceptable and unsustainable.

While we move forward in this debate, there are a number of key requirements which will guide my consideration. Any health reform must: 1) allow people who like the coverage they currently have to keep it; 2) bring costs down so that all Coloradans are able to cover their families while staying within their means; 3) preserve the critical doctor-patient relationship, ensuring that decisions about treatment are made by those who know the patient the best; 4) call for insurers to provide coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions or medical history; and 5) be fiscally responsible.  By ensuring that these pieces are part of reform, we can provide the stability in health care that is currently lacking for hard working Coloradans – stable costs, stable coverage, and stable quality.  Cost-effective ideas to improve health like emphasizing prevention and wellness programs, early screening and diagnosis, and chronic disease management are just a few pieces of the puzzle that I think can help us get there.

Another important piece to the puzzle is ensuring that health reform expands access to care for those living in rural communities, which is why I recently introduced legislation known as the Rural Physician Pipeline Act of 2009 (S.1628).  This bill is designed to improve health care in rural communities by helping medical schools establish programs to recruit and train medical students who want to practice in rural areas.  The provisions in this legislation are based on a successful program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and there is evidence to suggest that, if similar programs are expanded, as called for in my bill, we can dramatically increase the number of rural doctors nationwide.

Additionally, health reform must include provisions aimed at helping to alleviate the financial burden placed on small business owners who struggle to provide health coverage to their employees.  This is especially true for those small businesses that have seen the cost of coverage grow at such an alarming rate that they are unable to stay competitive in maintaining a talented pool of workers.  Small businesses are the driving force of our economy and we must pass health insurance reform which provides them a pooled marketplace from which to purchase coverage and offers credits to make plans affordable.

Reforming our health care system will not be easy, but it is imperative.  As Congress continues looking for the best ways to meet our nation’s health care challenges, please know that I will always keep the best interests of Coloradans in mind.  Along the way, I will certainly remember your particular thoughts and concerns.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Coloradans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Colorado and the nation.  My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.  For more information about my positions and to learn how my office can assist you, please visit my website at www.markudall.senate.gov.
Warm Regards,

Mark Udall
United States Senator, Colorado

MEU/jpw

Option 1: Let’s Believe

YOU will continue down YOUR road listening to the media, reading the news and attending town hall meetings. YOU will continue listening, possibly continuing to disagree, then one day you will awaken to a world you never wanted.

Option 2: CHAOS NOW

I will continue asking questions. I will demand the same from the government as I would if I were running a for profit business. I will be in THEIR faces until I have my questions answered.