Jay Clough

Reader supports Democratic candidate

Jay Clough, Democratic candidate to represent Central Washington in Congress, has been concerned about the more than 15,000 people in this district who need health care but who have not been able to buy health insurance because of its cost, or because of pre-existing health conditions.

Jay supports the historic health care reform law passed this year that will finally provide some help. It is not a government takeover as some have called it. How can it be a government takeover when coverage is being provided by private health insurance carriers? Some good things have already happened: private health insurers have agreed, in advance of the required date, to stop denying coverage for children based on pre-existing conditions. Most companies have agreed to stop kicking people off their health insurance when it is discovered they have developed a serious illness like breast cancer.

You have heard politicians saying they are going to run on a platform to repeal health care reform. It’s easy for them to want to take away the benefits for ordinary citizens because the politicians already have good, government run health care.

Medicare beneficiaries who’s Rx needs push them into the donut hole will get some help; in 2010 they will be eligible for a rebate of up to $250 to help pay for drug costs above the initial coverage limit. In coming years the coverage gap will begin to close. That will be a significant benefit for many people on Medicare.

Jay Clough wants your help to make sure these important and historic benefits are not taken away. Attend one of his meetings and hear him out. Support for health care reform is not his only good idea.

Dick Anderson

East Wenatchee