HELP bill is best for our nation’s health care needs

“Now is the time to come to the aid of your country,” was once spoken by Ted Kennedy’s brother, our President John Kennedy.

We know that the first few years of new legislation coming out from a “lawyer”-oriented Congress, which is not economically savvy, will not be perfect. But we have an opportunity to get started for the first time in many years. I would like to ask those of you who would, to call Sen. Mark Warner’s office at (866) 288-1495 and tell them to support making health insurance affordable for individuals, families and small businesses. 

If you would, please consider the following comparison: For an average income of $55,100 and typical medical expenses for a family of four, premiums with the Senate Finance Bill would be: Premiums $5,200, Out-of-Pocket $3,900 for a total of $9,100. For the Senate HELP Bill, premiums would be $3,100, Out-of-Pocket $2,100 for a total of $5,200.

So the HELP bill would be much more affordable. (HELP refers to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee). Under the HELP bill, employers with 25 or more employees would be required to help pay for your coverage.

Even if you like the coverage you have and plan to keep it, this would help those who don’t have a way to pay into a plan for themselves, and thus cost the taxpayers less money.