Email from Congressman Waxman of California

Dear Dr. Rubin:

Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts about comprehensive health care reform legislation. As a coauthor of H.R. 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choice Act, I appreciate having the benefit of your perspective and the opportunity to share my view.

I am a longtime supporter of efforts to provide comprehensive health care coverage for all, control medical and insurance costs, and enhance the quality and efficiency of the health care system. According to Families USA, nearly 87 million people-more than one-third of Americans under 65-went without health insurance at some point during the last two years. Uninsured patients go without the care they need and face the constant risk of ruinous debt if they contract a serious disease or have an accident. Those who have health insurance are finding their insurance plans are costing more and covering less. Furthermore, the cost of health care accounts for an increasingly large share of the economy and of government spending, and poses a fundamental threat to our economic stability and future prosperity.

H.R. 3200 is designed to reduce health care costs, protect and increase consumer choice, and guarantee access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. The House Energy and Commerce Committee reported the legislation on July 31 and the full House is expected to take up the measure this fall. I hope you will visit http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php for details about the bill, and you can count on me to keep your concerns in mind as the legislative process moves forward.

Thank you again for writing and please keep in touch on matters of concern.

With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

HENRY A. WAXMAN
Member of Congress