Joint letter to Majority Leader Reid on affordability in merger

October 30, 2009 

The success of health reform depends on making health coverage and care affordable for the millions of low-wage working families who make up the bulk of the uninsured.  The majority of people who will come to rely on subsidized coverage in the Exchange have incomes below 250% of the FPL, about $46,000 for a family of three.  In Nevada, 300,000 people, six out of every ten people in the state who are uninsured, fall within this income range.  These families often find themselves struggling to make ends meet, let alone afford thousands of dollars in health costs. 

bear the brunt of an individual mandate.  That is why we are alarmed by reports that suggest that your merger proposal may not make significant improvements in affordability for low-wage working families, and may in fact increase premiums on 

people at lower-income levels. 

Our faith, labor, consumer, public health and patient organizations represent millions of American families who actively support health reform, but they need to know that reform will make coverage affordable not place an unsustainable burden on those who today lack 

coverage. As many interests vie to influence the health reform process, it is important that working families not be left with the short-end of the stick. 

We look forward to working closely with you to assure that health reform is truly affordable for America's hard working families. 

For more information please contact Gordon Whitman, gwhitman@piconetwork.org. 

Sincerely, 

American Public Health Association 

Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good 

Center for Community Change 

Center for Rural Affairs 

Community Catalyst 

Disciples Justice Action Network 

The Episcopal Church 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 

Faithful America 

We ask that you make three calls or send three emails to support this effort, to each of your Senators and to Senator Reid [Chief of Staff is Gary Myrickgary_myrick@reid.senate.gov (202) 224-3542)].