Dear editor,

The war against healthcare reform has only just begun. The goal of this war? The status quo.

Who would want to continue the mess we’re in with skyrocketing premiums, deductibles and co-pays? Who is fine with health insurers having monopolies (or near monopolies) in 94 percent of America’s insurance markets – and some whole states like Alabama? Private health insurance companies, of course.

How bad do they want nothing to change? $1.4 million a day. That’s how much the healthcare industry is currently tossing to Congress members. Just think what positive uses that money could have gone toward. It’s not only money influencing the battle, America’s largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress to help lobby their case. That’s some ammunition!

Not only must Americans resist the propaganda that the health industry and conservatives throw at us, we must fight for something. The most cost effective solution is to remove the profit from healthcare and move to an improved and expanded Medicare for All program. Under this system, people will choose their own doctors and hospitals, make their own health decisions (instead of private insurance company bureaucrats), and enjoy peace of mind that all medically necessary care is covered no matter what their health or work status.

The fight is on and the healthcare industry is powerful. Will they win their war for the status quo again? Or, will we have meaningful reform this time? It’s your choice.

Linda Haynes

Community Outreach Coordinator

Huntsville Chapter of Health Care For Everyone – Alabama