Rep. Sánchez Unveils Online Health Care Forum

Invites constituents to share stories, suggestions on health care reform

Washington, DC - Rep. Linda Sánchez, member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is developing health care reform legislation, today unveiled "Linda's Online Health Care Forum," and invited her constituents to share their questions, suggestions, and stories with her through her website.

"I want my constituents to have a forum where they can easily have a dialogue with me on health care reform," said Rep. Linda Sánchez. "I believe health care reform should include as many voices as possible to make reform a reality. Hearing from my own constituents from southern California will help us as Congress prepares to pass quality, affordable health care for all."

The Ways and Means Committee is one of three House committees developing health care legislation. Health care costs already consume a disproportionate share of the federal budget while leaving nearly 50 million people with no health coverage. This paradox burdens American families, makes our businesses less competitive, and makes health costs a leading cause of personal bankruptcy. The draft proposal from the Committee would protect what works in our health care system and reform what doesn't, encouraging competition to lower costs and increase choice.

In addition, the bill would prohibit unfair health insurance practices that are legal today, including "gender rating," charging women more for health insurance simply because they are women. This provision is based on Congresswoman Sánchez' Gender Equity in Health Premiums Act, H.R. 2635.

"Right now, America spends nearly twice as much more per person on health care than any other country  and all that spending isn't making us any healthier," said Rep. Sánchez. "It makes no sense to place such a tremendous burden on working families without real benefits in health outcomes and worker productivity. Reforming our health care financing system will help get our economy back on track and help every American family afford comprehensive, high quality care."