Mary's Mail, September

Dear Supporters,

Health care weighs heavily on a lot of people's minds.

It also weighs heavily on my mind and on the mind of your U.S. Senate candidate, Jeff Merkley.

When we got into this race, I had to cut back on my hours at the hospital -- cutting back on my hours meant that I lost my health benefits which covered our whole family. I was worried that we may have to switch doctors (one we've come to know, love and trust). I was worried about having a lapse in coverage.

This was a tough decision -- there was a lot of security for me in keeping the benefits for the family -- benefits we've had for 12 years; and I know it will be difficult to regain my same benefited position after giving it up. We were able to switch our coverage to Jeff's benefits -- we know that millions of Americans do not have that option.

The deep feeling that this US Senate race matters and that getting into this race was the right thing to do, helped us make tough decisions -- we have health insurance today and tomorrow and the next day -- for this, I am grateful. Jeff and I want nothing more than for everyone to have affordable, accessible, quality care -- this should be a basic human right not a privilege for a few.

I cared for a 26 year old patient the other day, who was having a routine, but very necessary, surgery. His procedure was delayed several hours due to complications in the Operating Room. He actually had insurance but had a very high deductible, and he was concerned that the additional time spent in the hospital would mean added cost to him -- something he could not afford. So, here was a patient with normal pre-surgery anxiety AND the added stress of possible financial burden -- the outcomes out of his control at the time. This is a reality for so many patients.

Our health care system is broken and it is unsustainable -- even our sisters and brothers who have health insurance today have huge stress and worry regarding the delivery and billing of care in our country. We have a system full of barriers and a lack of transparency that puts a tremendous burden on the patient and the patient's family.

Let's come together and elect Jeff Merkley who will fight for health care reform and access for all of our children, communities, and families.

All my best,

Mary

PS: Please consider donating to the campaign and help send Jeff to the Senate!

I can be reached at mary@jeffmerkley.com.

Posted September 26, 2008
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