*** REMINDER TO ALL LIST.HEALTHPLAN SUBSCRIBERS *** *** DO NOT write a REPLY to any message you receive from LIST.HEALTHPLAN and do not write any messages to either of these addresses: healthplan@igc.apc.org notes@igc.apc.org These addresses refer to the programs that manage this list and will NOT be read or handled. If you need to edit/delete/add your name on the mailing list, write to me using the protocols in the LIST.- HEALTHPLAN Welcome Letter. (If you don't have it, write to me with the following Subject in the message header: Subject: SEND WELCOME LETTER ONLY) If you want to comment on/discuss the items on this list, subscribe to HEALTHRE, the discussion list. Instructions are in the LIST.- HEALTHPLAN Welcome Letter referenced above. *** Thanks, Steve Freedkin , LIST.HEALTHPLAN Mgr. [THIS IS THE PERIODIC BRIEFING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS PROMOTING ITS PLAN. THIS ITEM WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME SUBJECT LINE (WITH DIFFERENT DATES) SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP IT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ IT. -- Steve Freedkin , LIST.HEALTHPLAN Administrator] The White House Health Care Reform Today January 19, 1994 * No matter how you describe it, there are serious problems with this country's health care system. In the following days, you'll hear the President, First Lady and members of the Administration talk in detail about real people who have lost their insurance, don't have insurance, are locked into a job to keep their insurance...the list continues. Tomorrow, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will begin this conversation during a health care forum in Philadelphia. The President will address these issues in the State of the Union next week. In the meantime, the facts speak for themselves: * Last year, 2 million Americans lost their health coverage permanently. Every month, 2- million Americans lose their insurance for some period of time. If someone in the family comes down with a serious illness during that time, the family's savings could be wiped out. * In 1980, Americans were being charged $2,600 per family for health care. This year, between prescription drug costs, what you pay for premiums, Medicare taxes and other health costs, we're being charged $8,000 per family. Drug companies charge American consumers three or four times as much as they charge foreigners for the very same drugs. * The US ranks 19th in the world in combating fatal heart disease among adults, 20th in infant mortality, and 16th in life expectancy. * Small businesses are charged an average of 35% more than big businesses for the same insurance. * Here's why we have to reform our health care system and we must do it now: Gayle S. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- dropped by her insurance company when illness struck. Tom M. of Kingston, Tennessee and Patricia G. of Simi Valley, California -- whose cancer treatment was delayed by insurance company "fine print." Rick and Sandy R. of Waldorf, Maryland -- whose family was driven into bankruptcy when a child's illness slipped through an insurance company loophole. Kerry K. of Titusville, Florida -- a small business owner whose insurance company told him he'd have to fire two elderly employees if he wanted health coverage for his company. The two elderly employees were his own parents.