The Wall Street Journal editorial board
weighs in on the
Enzi bill--and on us:
When Ron Pollack of Families USA starts screaming, Republicans must be doing something right about health care.
On the contrary: When the Wall Street Journal attacks us for opposing the Enzi bill, we know we are doing something right. The Enzi bill--the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization Act (HIMMA, S.1955)--is such a bad piece of legislation that it merits (no, demands) screaming: It would override state laws that guarantee coverage for crucial services such as cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and many others. In addition, it would increase healthcare costs for many small businesses. If this bill passes, more than 85 million Americans will lose important consumer protection they now enjoy.
But we're not the only ones doing the screaming: See what others are saying below the fold.
State insurance commissioners are "screaming" about the Enzi bill--20 of them as of now. Says
California's commissioner:
The main problem of our health care system is runaway inflation of health care costs. Businesses and families are reeling under the pressure imposed by theses costs, and many are exiting the system as a result. S.1955 as amended does not address this critical issue, and as such does not address the issue of access to affordable health insurance.
Forty-one attorneys general are "screaming," too. From their joint letter:
Consumers rightfully expect their state government to require a minimum of health benefit protections and to protect them from abuse by health care insurers. Elimination of strong health protections in exchange for weak federal oversight fails consumers.
Twelve governors join in the "screaming" in this letter:
...we believe this legislation is a step backwards in that effort. We urge you to vote against this bill and work toward alternative legislation that will provide more affordable options for small businesses without preempting state insurance protections.
Other groups "screaming" about the Enzi bill include: AARP, American Chiropractic Association, American Medical Association, American Diabetes Association, and many others. With all these people "screaming," doesn't the WSJ editorial board think there might be something worth screaming about, after all?
After reading what this bill could do to your healthcare, you might feel the urge to scream as well. If so, please use our toll-free 800 number--1-800-828-0498--to call your Senators (we don't recommend you scream, though!). Senate leaders plan to schedule a vote to cut off debate on the bill (known as a vote for "cloture" in Senate jargon) for this coming Thursday, May 11th. We need your Senators to vote against cloture (against cutting off debate) in order to prevent an up-or-down vote. Please call your Senators before Thursday and send them a clear message: Oppose the Enzi Bill by voting NO on cloture. If you're not the calling type, you can email your Senators by clicking here.
That toll-free number again: 1-800-828-0498. Call now!