President Obama and our Democratic leaders in Congress have been working to pass health care reform legislation before the end of the year. Today the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) took an important step towards that goal when it released its latest version of health care reform legislation. The bill follows President Obama’s principles for reform by lowering costs, protecting patient choice and expanding access to quality, affordable care, and includes a strong public option and a shared employee responsibility provision. According to analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the plan will cost significantly less than previously estimated and covers 97 percent of Americans. Here’s the AP story and a link to the text of the bill.

Chairman Ted Kennedy (MA) and Senator Chris Dodd (CT) sent a letter to their colleagues on the HELP committee late yesterday announcing the new CBO estimate, which scored the plan at $611.4 billion over 10 years, with the new coverage provisions scored at $597 billion – a significant reduction from earlier estimates (Ezra Klein of the Washington Post did a good round up of the CBO estimates). Here’s an excerpt from their letter:

“…For the 47 million Americans currently living without health insurance, a public option will represent an opportunity to access quality, affordable care. For those who have insurance but still struggle to get the care they and their families need, the healthy competition provided by our proposal will offer a wider variety of options while keeping costs down.

“And for the many Americans who have good coverage, nothing will change. They will still be able to keep their doctor, their hospital, and their insurance plan. What our proposal offers these families is stability – no longer will Americans with good health care have to worry about losing everything if they lose or change their job, or if someone in their family becomes sick or injured.

“Even in the face of scare tactics and false claims that a public option would destroy consumer choice or the insurance industry, a vigorous public option is what Americans want. According to two recent public polls, three out of four Americans support the establishment of a public option to compete with private insurance plans and offer families better choices when making health care decisions.

“Moreover, a strong public option isn’t just what Americans want – it’s what America needs. All of us understand the importance of the work we’re doing. The health of our economy and our families rely on it. But if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. The Senate must not, and the HELP Committee will not, shy away from this challenge. We must not settle for legislation that merely gestures at reform. We must deliver on the promise of true change.”

President Obama issued a statement praising the bill, saying:

“For decades, Washington has failed to act as health care costs continued to rise, crushing businesses, families and placing an unsustainable burden on governments. Today the Senate HELP committee has produced legislation that lowers costs, protects choice of doctors and plans and assures quality and affordable health care for Americans.”

The HELP Committee could vote as early as next week on their version of the bill, which will then be coupled with the Senate Finance Committee’s companion measure.

The President answered questions from the audience, as well as from people who had submitted their queries via Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. He made a strong case for reform, by reminding folks in the room of his three principles -- lowering costs, preserving patient choice and expanding access to quality, affordable care – and reiterated his commitment to a public option, a health insurance exchange and a fiscally responsible, deficit neutral plan. He said he wouldn’t accept the status quo and is dedicated to enacting health care reform this year.

Our broken health care system is something I’ve had to face every single day as the Governor of Virginia. We’ve been able to do some great things, but families and businesses in Virginia struggle with the high costs of care as much as anyone in this nation. Think about this: 1 in 7 Virginians doesn’t have health insurance; and since 2000, average family premiums have increased by 99 percent.

As powerful as those numbers are, I think the most powerful case for reform are real stories – stories of people who can’t afford insurance, are denied care because of a pre-existing condition, lose insurance coverage when they lose their job, or have been forced into bankruptcy to take care of a sick child or elderly parent. Over the past several weeks, we’ve collected hundreds of thousands of these stories. Have you read them? You can, here. Have you seen them? Here are five web videos we’ve released over the past couple of weeks: Kristine, Cesar, Cathy, Lisa and Russell.

Reforming our health care system will be hard; and, as the President has said so many times before, if it were easy we would’ve done it already. Sure, the details need to be worked out, and yes, we will have to work hard to get reform that lowers costs, preserves choice and expands access. But the Obama administration has already had success in lining up support from groups that have opposed reform in the past -- pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, insurance companies and doctors associations. If you consider that millions of people are calling for reform because they won’t accept our broken system for any longer, and if you remember that President Obama has demonstrated incredible leadership and commitment to this issue – you will believe, as I do, that we can pass health care reform this year.

Here's how to get involved and do your part to enact comprehensive reform.

A few key quotes are below. You can find the full text of the presser, including Q&A, here.

On Iran:

“…The United States and the international community have been appalled and outraged by the threats, the beatings, and imprisonments of the last few days. I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost.

“I've made it clear that the United States respects the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not interfering with Iran's affairs. But we must also bear witness to the courage and the dignity of the Iranian people, and to a remarkable opening within Iranian society. And we deplore the violence against innocent civilians anywhere that it takes place.

“…As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people have a universal right to assembly and free speech. If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect those rights and heed the will of its own people. It must govern through consent and not coercion. That's what Iran's own people are calling for, and the Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government.”

On energy:

”…This week, the House of Representatives is moving ahead on historic legislation that will transform the way we produce and use energy in America. This legislation will spark a clean energy transformation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and confront the carbon pollution that threatens our planet.

“This energy bill will create a set of incentives that will spur the development of new sources of energy, including wind, solar, and geothermal power. It will also spur new energy savings, like efficient windows and other materials that reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

“…The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century's global economy. That's what this legislation seeks to achieve -- it's a bill that will open the door to a better future for this nation. And that's why I urge members of Congress to come together and pass it.”

On health care:

”…There's no doubt that we must preserve what's best about our health care system, and that means allowing Americans who like their doctors and their health care plans to keep them. But unless we fix what's broken in our current system, everyone's health care will be in jeopardy. Unless we act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, and the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans. Unless we act, one out of every five dollars that we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. And the amount our government spends on Medicare and Medicaid will eventually grow larger than what our government spends on everything else today.

”When it comes to health care, the status quo is unsustainable and unacceptable. So reform is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you haven’t already, check out the new Health Care Stories for America tool over at . You can share a story, find a story and vote for the stories you find most compelling.

Here’s an excerpt from the President’s remarks:

“…Our goal -- our imperative -- is to reduce the punishing inflation in health care costs while improving patient care. And to do that we're going to have to work together to root out waste and inefficiencies that may pad the bottom line of the insurance industry, but add nothing to the health of our nation. To that end, the pharmaceutical industry has committed to reduce its draw on the health care system by $80 billion over the next 10 years as part of overall health care reform.

“Real health care reform that reduces the spiraling costs of health services and extends quality, affordable health coverage to all Americans will require these kinds of commitments throughout the system. And drug and insurance companies stand to benefit when tens of millions more Americans have coverage. So we're asking them, in exchange, to make essential concessions to reform the system and help reduce costs. It's only fair. Today marks a major step forward. But it will only be meaningful if we complete the journey.

“…And to those who, here in Washington, who've grown accustomed to "sky is falling" prognoses and the certainties that we cannot get this done, I have to repeat -- revive an old saying we had from the campaign: Yes, we can. We are going to get this done.”

And a link to a few articles on the announcement: Politico, “Health Care Reform Gets Boost”; Washington Post, “Obama, Democrats Cheer Announcement of Drug Savings for Federal Programs”; and CNN, “Deal Reached to Cut Medicare Costs”.

Organizing for America has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories. The grassroots effort is building support in communities across the country for a plan that adheres to President Obamas three principles for reform: lowering costs, preserving patient choice and increasing access to quality care.

Take action over at Organizing for America's site.

During the speech, the President reiterated his belief that health care reform is a necessity, not a luxury, noting that while the United States spends more than any other nation on health care we are no healthier for it. Once again, the President made the case that reform is essential to restoring our fiscal health and putting the country back on the road to long term economic prosperity.

The President clearly made the case for a health insurance exchange, where people can compare and contrast plans and pick the one that’s right for them, and talked about his support for a public insurance option, which will give consumers more choices and increase competition to keep insurance companies honest, while lowering costs.

Here’s an excerpt from the Reuter’s article about the speech:

“Obama took his health care campaign to the annual meeting of the influential American Medical Association in Chicago, where he likened the U.S. health care system to struggling General Motors, which has filed for bankruptcy protection.

'If we do not fix our health care system, America may go the way of GM; paying more, getting less, and going broke,' he said.

"Make no mistake: the cost of our health care is a threat to our economy,' said Obama, who wants a health care reform bill on his desk by October. 'It is a ticking time bomb for the federal budget. And it is unsustainable for the United States of America.'

Thus far, the President has identified $950 billion in revenue and savings to pay for health care reform, including:

– Ending overpayments to Medicare Advantage that are a windfall for insurance companies at the expense of the American people, resulting in a savings of $177 billion over the next decade.

– Changing how Medicare reimburses hospitals, by discouraging them from acting in a way that boosts profits, but drives up costs for everyone else, resulting in a saving of $25 billion over the next decade.

– Saving approximately $75 billion by getting better prices for drugs under Medicare, and another billion by rooting out waste, abuse, and fraud throughout our health care system.

We’ll post the full text of President Obama’s remarks later today.

UPDATE: Below is an excerpt of the President's remarks:.

"If we fail to act -- and you know this because you see it in your own individual practices -- if we fail to act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans -- all of which will affect your practice. If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. And in 30 years, it will be about one out of every three -- a trend that will mean lost jobs, lower take-home pay, shuttered businesses, and a lower standard of living for all Americans.

"And if we fail to act, federal spending on Medicaid and Medicare will grow over the coming decades by an amount almost equal to the amount our government currently spends on our nation's defense. It will, in fact, eventually grow larger than what our government spends on anything else today. It's a scenario that will swamp our federal and state budgets, and impose a vicious choice of either unprecedented tax hikes, or overwhelming deficits, or drastic cuts in our federal and state budgets.

So to say it as plainly as I can, health care is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health. That is a fact. That's a fact."

Here's the full text of the speech and key excerpts posted on the White House's blog.

Kristine Reger from Muskego, WI: Kristine’s husband owns a small business. He’s always prided himself on providing health insurance for his employees, but this year he’ll spend more than $125,000 on a plan with a $2,500 deductible for just nine people. Skyrocketing health care costs have wiped out his profit margin for the past several years, and it’ll happen again this year unless his business picks up considerably.

Kristine’s sister has a chronic disease. She was airlifted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for care, and got stuck with a bill for $17,000. Without significant help from family, she never would have been able afford it.

Kristine attended the President’s Health Care Town Hall today in Green Bay. She also participated in a conference call yesterday with Rep. Steve Kagen (WI) and OFA Wisconsin State Director Dan Grandone. We posted the full audio here.

Michelle Winter from Green Bay, WI: Michelle co-owns a local jewelry shop and art gallery in Green Bay. She and her business partner opened the business with a $5,000 loan in 1991. Since that time, her partner has become a diabetic and requires regular check ups and prescription drugs to maintain his health. Their health insurance is $1,368, with a $5,000 deductible – more than 20 percent of what it cost to start their entire business. She’s worried that rising premiums will eventually sink her business.

Roxann Nys from Green Bay, WI: Roxann’s brother worked his whole life, but has never had health insurance. He suffers from diverticulitis and had to have emergency surgery to remove a portion of his intestine in order to save his life. Roxann thinks that if her brother had access to affordable care when he first started to feel sick, he might have been able to avoid expensive surgery. But now, he might never be able to pay off his bill and still can’t afford the care he needs for his chronic illness.

With premiums rising three times faster than wages and nearly 50 million uninsured, skyrocketing health care costs are crippling American families and businesses, and exploding our national deficit.

The President identified Green Bay as one community that has done a good job of providing higher quality care with lower costs. He called for reforms that encourage the replication of best practices that places like Green Bay have already implemented – increased coordination among doctors and changing incentives so health care is driven more by quality of patient care, than turning a profit.

President Obama urged people to pay attention to the health care debate and to pressure their members of Congress to pass reform this year, warning that if it doesn’t happen in 2009, it might not happen at all. Visit the health care action center to help make health care reform a reality this year.

The OFA blog posted a good round up of where the health care debate currently stands in the House and Senate.

The full text of the President’s remarks today is below:

”Thank you. It is wonderful to be back here in Green Bay. I want to thank Southwest High School for hosting us today, and I want to thank Laura for sharing her story. It takes courage to do that, and it takes even more to battle a disease like cancer with such grace and determination.

"Laura’s story is incredibly moving. Sadly, it is not unique. Every day in this country, more and more Americans are forced to worry not simply about getting well, but whether they can afford to get well. Millions more wonder if they can afford the routine care necessary to stay well. Even for those who have health insurance, rising premiums are straining their budgets to the breaking point – premiums that have doubled over the last nine years, and have grown at a rate three times faster than wages. Desperately-needed procedures and treatments are put off because the price is too high. And all it takes is a single illness to wipe out a lifetime of savings.

"Employers aren’t faring any better. The cost of health care has helped leave big corporations like GM and Chrysler at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts. For small businesses, it’s even worse. One month, they’re forced to cut back on health care benefits. The next month, they have to drop coverage. The month after that, they have no choice but to start laying off workers.

"For the government, the growing cost of Medicare and Medicaid is one of the biggest threats to our federal deficit. Bigger than Social Security. Bigger than all the investments we’ve made so far. So if you’re worried about spending and you’re worried about deficits, you need to be worried about the cost of health care.

"We have the most expensive health care system in the world. We spend almost 50% more per person on health care than the next most costly nation. But here’s the thing, Green Bay: we’re not any healthier for it. We don’t necessarily have better outcomes. Even within our own country, a lot of the places where we spend less on health care actually have higher quality than places where we spend more. Right here in Green Bay, you get more quality out of fewer health care dollars than many other communities across the country. And yet, across the country, spending on health care goes up and up and up – day after day, year after year.

"I know that there are millions of Americans who are content with their health care coverage – they like their plan and they value their relationship with their doctor. And no matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan.

"But in order to preserve what’s best about our health care system, we have to fix what doesn’t work. For we have reached a point where doing nothing about the cost of health care is no longer an option. The status quo is unsustainable. If we do not act and act soon to bring down costs, it will jeopardize everyone’s health care. If we do not act, every American will feel the consequences. In higher premiums and lower take-home pay. In lost jobs and shuttered businesses. In a rising number of uninsured and a rising debt that our children and their children will be paying off for decades. If we do nothing, within a decade we will spending one out of every five dollars we earn on health care. In thirty years, it will be one out of every three. That is untenable, that is unacceptable, and I will not allow it as President of the United States.

"Health care reform is not part of some wish list I drew up when I took office. It is central to our economic future – central to the long-term prosperity of this nation. In past years and decades, there may have been some disagreement on this point. But not anymore. Today, we have already built an unprecedented coalition of folks who are ready to reform our health care system: physicians and health insurers; businesses and workers; Democrats and Republicans. A few weeks ago, some of these groups committed to doing something that would’ve been unthinkable just a few years ago: they promised to work together to cut national health care spending by two trillion dollars over the next decade. That will bring down costs, that will bring down premiums, and that’s exactly the kind of cooperation we need.

"The question now is, how do we finish the job? How do we permanently bring down costs and make quality, affordable health care available to every American?

"My view is that reform should be guided by a simple principle: we fix what’s broken and build on what works.

"In some cases, there’s broad agreement on the steps we should take. In the Recovery Act, we’ve already made investments in health IT and electronic medical records that will reduce medical errors, save lives, save money, and still ensure privacy. We also need to invest in prevention and wellness programs that help Americans live longer, healthier lives.

"But the real cost savings will come from changing the incentives of a system that automatically equates expensive care with better care – from addressing flaws that increase profits without actually increasing the quality of care.

"We have to ask why places like the Geisinger Health system in rural Pennsylvania, Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, or communities like Green Bay can offer high-quality care at costs well below average, but other places in America can’t. We need to identify the best practices across the country, learn from the success, and replicate that success elsewhere. And we should change the warped incentives that reward doctors and hospitals based on how many tests or procedures they prescribe, even if those tests or procedures aren’t necessary or result from medical mistakes. Doctors across this country did not get into the medical profession to be bean counters or paper pushers; to be lawyers or business executives. They became doctors to heal people. And that’s what we must free them to do.

"We must also provide Americans who can’t afford health insurance with more affordable options. This is both a moral imperative and an economic imperative, because we know that when someone without health insurance is forced to get treatment at the ER, all of us end up paying for it.

"So what we’re working on is the creation of something called a Health Insurance Exchange – which would allow you to one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that’s best for you. None of these plans would be able to deny coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition, and all should include an affordable, basic benefit package. And if you can’t afford one of the plans, we should provide assistance to make sure you can. I also strongly believe that one of the options in the Exchange should be a public insurance option – because if the private insurance companies have to compete with a public option, it will keep them honest and help keep prices down.

"Now, covering more Americans will obviously cost a good deal of money at a time where we don’t have extra to spend. That’s why I have already promised that reform will not add to our deficit over the next ten years. To make that happen, we have already identified hundreds of billions worth of savings in our budget – savings that will come from steps like reducing Medicare overpayments to insurance companies and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in both Medicare and Medicaid. I will be outlining hundreds of billions more in savings in the days to come. And I’ll be honest – even with these savings, reform will require additional sources of revenue. That’s why I’ve proposed that we scale back how much the highest-income Americans can deduct on their taxes back to the rate from the Reagan years – and use that money to help finance health care.

"In all these reforms, our goal is simple: the highest-quality health care at the lowest-possible cost. We want to fix what’s broken and build on what works. As Congress moves forward on health care legislation in the coming weeks, I understand there will be different ideas and disagreements on how to achieve this goal. I welcome those ideas, and I welcome that debate. But what I will not welcome is endless delay or a denial that reform needs to happen. When it comes to health care, this country cannot continue on its current path. I know there are some who believe that reform is too expensive, but I can assure you that doing nothing will cost us far more in the coming years. Our deficits will be higher. Our premiums will go up. Our wages will be lower, our jobs will be fewer, and our businesses will suffer.

"So to those who criticize our efforts, I ask, “What is the alternative?” What else do we say to all those families who now spend more on health care than housing or food? What do we tell those businesses that are choosing between closing their doors and letting their workers go? What do we say to all those Americans like Laura, a woman who has worked all her life; whose family has done everything right; a brave and proud woman whose child’s school recently took up a penny drive to help pay her medical bills? What do we tell them?

"I believe we tell them that after decades of inaction, we have finally decided to fix what is broken about health care in America. We have decided that it’s time to give every American quality health care at an affordable cost. We have decided that if we invest in reforms that will bring down costs now, we will eventually see our deficits come down in the long-run. And we have decided to change the system so that our doctors and health care providers are free to do what they trained and studied and worked so hard to do: make people well again. That’s what we can do in this country; that’s what we can do at this moment, and now I’d like to hear your thoughts and answer your questions about how we get it done. Thank you."

Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (WI):

“I ran for Congress beginning in 2005 because my patients were having a difficult time paying for their prescription drugs. It's tough being a doctor and prescribe something for patients they simply can't afford. There is no question that there is urgency in getting this done - reforming health care. We have an impossible situation where people can’t afford the necessary care and prescription drugs and other treatments they require that they require."

Kristine Reger, Muskego, WI resident:

"For two years in this century the cost of health insurance has prevented my husband and his partner from making a profit and that will probably happen again this year unless business picks up. Last year, it cost my husband's company $132,000 to cover nine employees - and this is not a Cadillac plan. it includes a high deductible of $2,500. We need to have health care reform to help the small businesses to continue to provide health insurance for their employees, to keep the cost down to reward them for continuing to do what they feel is right.”

Dan Grandone, OFA Wisconsin State Director:

"I really believe that the president's message-- that he gave on election night back in November in Grant Park-- was one that resonated with millions throughout this country and here in the state of Wisconsin when he said 'This victory alone is not the change we seek it is only the chance for us to make that change'. So this past Saturday on June 6th in people's homes throughout the state of Wisconsin and across this country Organizing for America organized its national health care kick-off in which tens of thousands joined with their neighbors, family, friends and coworkers to begin discussing and mobilizing behind this health care issue. The next step in this campaign will be on June 27th - a national day of service on health care - where thousands of people all over the country will highlight the need for health care reform by performing important health care related service projects in their communities - and advance the need for health care reform with their fellow citizens and elected officials."

Here’s the full audio of the call.

Here’s an excerpt of the email announcing the launch of the Action Center this morning:

“When the dust settles in Washington, will the final plan satisfy the President's call to reduce costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality, affordable health care for every American? That depends on you.

"When the lobbyists for the status quo walk out of a meeting with your representatives, will your representatives' phones start ringing with real constituents back home demanding action? They will if you call.

"When your local news runs stories asking whether regular people are joining this fight, will they cover an event in your neighborhood? They will if you organize it.

"And when the airwaves fill with ads featuring actors pretending that we don't need change, will your local paper run letters to the editor from real people who know why we can't wait? They will if you write one.

"So please take the first step by visiting the Health Care Action Center today. You'll find everything you need to build support in Congress and your community, with as little or as much time as you have to give."

The race to pass real health care reform in 2009 is heating up – early drafts of a full proposal are already circulating in the Senate and in the House. Take action to ensure that any plan includes President Obama’s three principles for reform: reducing costs, guaranteeing choice and ensuring all Americans have access to quality care.

A snapshot of the Kickoff events from articles published in local and regional outlets:

Reuters - Kansas City, Missouri

"From a living room in Kansas to a bagel shop in New York to an Alabama church, Democrats have started mobilizing support for President Barack Obama's healthcare reform plans. Suburban housewives and social workers mixed with Baptist ministers, college students, retirees and many others at grassroots gatherings over the weekend. Spurred by the Democratic National Committee's burgeoning political machine dubbed 'Organizing for America,' thousands of such meetings had been planned for Friday through Monday."

Ravalli Republic - Ravalli County, Montana

“This is an opportunity to have people share their stories,” Gustina said. “People want people to know that they are struggling to meet their health care needs - they want to talk about it … and we’ll put a local face to the issue.”

The Advocate– Baton Rouge, Louisiana

“’Grass roots is vital. For too long, we’ve had people in Washington dictate to local citizens what is important,’ said Robert Wilson, a volunteer who set up the meeting at Freeman’s home.

“Another dozen or more people also met Saturday at the home of Carruth and Mary McGehee. OFA had estimated that thousands of people around the United States would attend similar gatherings.

Portland Press Herald - Portland, Maine

”Bonnie Blythe said she asked Obama how young adults saddled with college loan repayments were supposed to obtain affordable health insurance.

‘I don't feel like I'm an expert, other than I believe health care has to be accessible to everyone and costs must be reasonable,’ said Blythe, noting that her two adult children don't have insurance.

“Blythe said she volunteered in Obama's election campaign last year, organizing carpools to the polls in Lewiston-Auburn, registering voters and canvassing neighborhoods.
“She said she's prepared to work for health care reform, too, and has offered to host a house party Saturday at which guests will view Obama on video and make plans for campaigning.

“If you have been itching to give President Barack Obama your take on how to reform the nation’s health care system, you’ll be able to do it without leaving town.

“The local chapter of Organizing for America is hosting community meetings to gather grass-roots input about health care reform. Participants will be able to share their personal stories about health care access. They also will be asked to come up with local projects for an upcoming national day of service that will focus on promoting healthier communities, said Kelly McDonald, lead organizer for the U.S. 17th Congressional District.”

We’ll update this post later this afternoon with a video highlighting some of the national and local television coverage of the events.

“…The plans you are discussing embody my core belief that Americans should have better choices for health insurance, building on the principle that if they like the coverage they have now, they can keep it, while seeing their costs lowered as our reforms take hold. But for those who don't have such options, I agree that we should create a health insurance exchange – a market where Americans can one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that's best for them, in the same way that Members of Congress and their families can. None of these plans should deny coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition, and all of these plans should include an affordable basic benefit package that includes prevention, and protection against catastrophic costs. I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans. This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest.

“I understand the Committees are moving towards a principle of shared responsibility -- making every American responsible for having health insurance coverage, and asking that employers share in the cost. I share the goal of ending lapses and gaps in coverage that make us less healthy and drive up everyone's costs, and I am open to your ideas on shared responsibility. But I believe if we are going to make people responsible for owning health insurance, we must make health care affordable. If we do end up with a system where people are responsible for their own insurance, we need to provide a hardship waiver to exempt Americans who cannot afford it. In addition, while I believe that employers have a responsibility to support health insurance for their employees, small businesses face a number of special challenges in affording health benefits and should be exempted….”

Here’s a link to the full letter from the President on the Organizing for America blog.

Folks on the call were encouraged to do two things: (1) Demonstrate their commitment to the three principles President Obama has said are critical to any health care reform plan - lowering costs, increasing access and preserving flexibility and choice – by signing a declaration of support; and (2) Signng up to host or attend a June 6th Health Care Kick Off event.

President Obama encouraged the thousands of people on the call to organize in their communities to pass health care reform this year.

Check out www.barackobama.com for more information.

Also in health care news … Senator Ted Kennedy (D) has an op-ed in today’s Boston Globe about the five major elements included in the health care legislation currently working its way through Congress. Excerpt below, and a link to the full article:

“…To achieve these changes, all must share the responsibility and the costs - businesses, government, healthcare providers, and individuals alike. Health reform will benefit all our citizens, reduce the financial burdens on our nation's businesses, and put the healthcare industry itself on a sustainable basis.

“Change is never easy, but the status quo is no longer acceptable to any except those who profit from the current broken healthcare system.

“We cannot afford to wait - or to fail. And we will do neither.

“And when successful reform takes hold, the American people will wonder what has taken us so long.”