July 17, 2007
Fulfilling the Promise of Health Care for All
By Senator Lena C. Taylor
During the 2006 election, I heard one message over and over again: fix our health care system. People keep asking why we can’t fix the health care system. But this is the secret: We heard you, and we can fix the system.
In June, I had the opportunity to take part in a truly historic event in the State of Wisconsin. Joined with my fellow Senate Democrats, we announced the most inclusive and far reaching health care reform package in the nation, entitled “Healthy Wisconsin.” This proposal guarantees quality health care for all of us.
The plan is very simple. Every person and business in the state pays their fair share and we all get access the high quality health care. For less than $150 per month, all of use will get the same amazing health care coverage that I receive as a State Senator. The news is even better for our business community; their average yearly health care payments will be cut in half!
This plan restores the relationship you have with your doctor. No longer will your medical decisions be made by some insurance company bureaucrat. In fact, families will make all their own medical decisions. You can even get to pick which health care plan you use, rather than whatever plan your employer likes.
This plan gives your family the security and choices they need, while giving you an outstanding level of coverage. There will be no required co-payments for preventative care, chronic disease management or children under the age of 18. For any other health needs, there is only a $20 co-pay and an annual $300 deductible. Quite simply, this plan means you will be able to afford the care you and your family deserve.
Over the coming months, you will hear all sorts of distortions and outright lies about this plan. Insurance companies and big corporations that deny benefits to their employees will spend millions of dollars trying to defeat this plan. They don’t want a plan that promises fairness and access to see the light of day in Wisconsin.
Fortunately there are far more people who believe in our plan and will fight to make sure it becomes a reality. They will be spending the next months going door to door, talking about the benefits of this plan for all of Wisconsin.
For decades, we have been fighting for a real and meaningful health care reform. At long last, our day is here. I hope you will support us as we work to ensure that every man, woman and child in Wisconsin has access to quality, affordable health care.
