From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform -- The Facts

Dear Reader: This is the first of 3 parts on this critical issue.
Truth has to rise above fear and political dogma.

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From: David Axelrod, The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:39 AM
To: gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Subject: Something worth forwarding



The White House, Washington




Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I've ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back - even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, "where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed."

So let's start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you'll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what's below. So what are you waiting for? Forward thisemail.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched
www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies
that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below,
and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann
DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check
it out:

Health Insurance Reform
Reality Check

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without
coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details:
icp> http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/