We have reviewed the statements the Company has given to the press and it is outrageous that the company will be taking advantage of the new healthcare bill and trying to negatively effect our members. Of course we will be challenging this in the legislative arena, especially while AT&T and the other telecoms are pulling down record profits. Our Members, especially retirees understand that the company will always try to take advantage of current and future legislation to increase their profits, often on the backs of their employees.
Remember, the alternative without a Union would be no healthcare at all. The struggle with corporate America, as you already know, is never ending. Corporate America is now upset because they are losing tax loopholes and now it’s attempting to gain support from retirees by frightening them with higher prescription costs. The American Union Movement has not now nor will in the future, abandon its Members, we only receive what we are prepared to fight for.
The following are some of the more important benefits that Americans will receive with the introduction of the Healthcare Bill.
10 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.
2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions--or to drop coverage when people become sick.
3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.
4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.
5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance--paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.
6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.
7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.
8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.
9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.
10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.
Our Union Members throughout our history have been leaders in helping to form policy to protect Americans from being victims of giant corporations and big government. The Healthcare Bill closes many of the gaps that hard working Americans were exposed to by no fault of their own. What Union Member would not be proud of their accomplishment with the establishment of Healthcare reform, knowing that the sick will no longer be turned away from medical care?
It’s time that these Global Conglomerates start paying their fair share and stop trying to worm out of their responsibilities by scaring the American public.
In unity there is strength.
Roy Hegenbart
President
CWA Local 3250
