Bob Tuke for U.S. Senator(D)Tennessee

Tuesdays with Tuke ~September 9, 2008
Healthcare for the 21st Century

The health of a nation is measured largely by the health of its people. That in turn ultimately is measured by the health care a nation makes available to its citizens. Sad to say, the Bush administration, enabled by Republican Senators led by Lamar Alexander, has miserably failed in this measure. Of all industrialized western nations, the United States spends the most on health care related expenses. Yet, the quality and accessibility of health care received by average Americans is rated only around 17th among western countries. How can this be? Well, the truth is, approximately 1/3 of the cost of health care in the United States goes to pay for non-health care services: insurance companies, administrators, record-keepers and various and duplicated government agencies. Average Americans, including Tennesseans, have seen health care costs soar by 114% in less than a decade, four times faster than wage increases. And this is occurring while Tennesseans (and all Americans) have had to weather staggering increases in fuel costs, home power bills, mortgage rates, and unemployment rates. In Tennessee, the number one cause of personal bankruptcy is health care debt, and it accounts for more than half of all bankruptcies nationwide.That is why we have developed a Health care Plan for the 21st Century, with the aid and advice of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. The Plan addresses the most significant failings of our current system and proposes practical and effective solutions. It promises universal health coverage through a National Insurance Network that will allow all Americans to have access to health insurance at least as favorable as that available to U.S. Congressmen and Senators, but at a price average Americans can afford. And for those who cannot afford it, the coverage will be subsidized. Those who have coverage they like will be able to keep it, but at more affordable rates. And there will be no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, no carve-outs for circumstances, illnesses or injuries insurance companies don't want to cover, like pregnancies or complications following child birth. It emphasizes preventive medicine and wellness care, and makes it affordable. Please review my Health Plan at www.tukefortennessee.com/healthcare to learn more about it.
Small businesses will benefit from this Plan because group coverage will be available at affordable rates so that employers will be able to continue to offer their employees health care benefits without suffering economic loss. It is unacceptable to me that the bedrock of American commerce - small business - should be forced to choose between group health coverage for employees and financial viability. Our plan also will ensure that doctors, nurses and other health care providers will be fairly compensated for their services, instead of pouring our health care resources into the coffers of big insurance companies, HMO's and pharmaceutical companies.That is why I am running for the U.S. Senate - so that Tennesseans can have a Senator who cares about their health and their access to the best medical care America has to offer, instead of the incumbent, who cares first for the profits of big insurance companies, HMO's and pharmaceutical giants. Tennesseans deserve better. Together, let's Take the Hill!

Semper Fi,
Bob Tuke(D), Candidate for U.S. Senate~Tennessee

Editorial : Bob Tuke, is the Man Tennesseans need !