Want to add you name to the growing list of over 50 physicians who have endorsed Betsy Markey? Or just have a great idea about healthcare reform?

Send an email to healthcare@markeyforcongress.com
 

 
Dear Friend and Valued Physician,

With all the economic problems currently plaguing our country, it is no wonder that Congress has let the healthcare discussion fall by the wayside. As a candidate for United States Congress in Colorado’s fourth district, I refuse to neglect such an important cause.

As a small business owner I learned firsthand the difficulties of providing health insurance for employees. I understand the need for a change in the way we provide healthcare in this country. My opponent and I differ deeply on this issue. While we both support adequate Medicare reimbursement payments to doctors and recent legislation to prevent payment cuts, we differ on the fundamentals of patient care. I believe in providing affordable care to those who need it most, especially our nation’s children. My opponent’s votes against expanding SCHIP and the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007, and her cuts to crucial health care programs, speaks to our differences.

The United States spends approximately 15% of our GDP on healthcare, and yet 45 million Americans are uninsured and many more underinsured.  The current system of coverage is expensive, unsustainable and highly inefficient. We must address how to provide healthcare to everyone in the most efficient and equitable way. We also need to refocus on the prevention of diseases. Seventy-five percent of health care costs are attributable to chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma, and cancer.

It is incumbent upon Congress to find a bipartisan solution to the healthcare problem. Improved funding for patient care, rural clinics, and reduced cost of prescription medications are all integral parts of reform. I support immediate steps such as reducing administrative costs by standardizing healthcare forms, but we also need a fundamental change in our healthcare priorities. Individuals with chronic illnesses and pre-existing conditions should have access to the treatments they need. Insurance companies should be taking their cues for patient coverage from doctors. And most importantly, all Americans should have access to basic care, starting with our children. It is time to make America healthier and make quality, affordable care a national priority.

I have been privileged to receive the support of numerous physicians from around the Fourth Congressional District. My open door policy towards healthcare professionals has given me the opportunity to discuss these issues with doctors across the state. I am dedicated to representing those concerns when elected to Congress.

Please feel free to call the office at any time to express your concerns and thoughts on healthcare, or any issue.

Sincerely,

Betsy Markey