Bill Clinton: “Legislation October 27, 1993 Dear Gentlemen: The ``Health Security Act of 1993'' holds the promise of a new era of…”

“Legislation October 27, 1993 Dear Gentlemen: The ``Health Security Act of 1993'' holds the promise of a new era of security for every American--an era in which our nation finally guarantees its citizens comprehensive health care benefits that can never be taken away. Today, America boasts the world's best health care professionals, the finest medical schools and hospitals, the most advanced research and the most sophisticated technology. No other health care system in the world exceeds ours in the level of scientific knowledge, skill and technical resources. And yet the American health care system is badly broken. Its hallmarks are insecurity and dangerously rising costs. For most Americans the fear of losing health benefits at some time has become very real. Our current health insurance system offers no protection for people who lose their jobs, move, decide to change jobs, get sick, or have a family member with an illness. One out of four Americans is expected to lose insurance coverage in the next two years, many never to be protected again. Altogether, more than 37 million Americans have no insurance and another 25 million have inadequate health coverage. Rising health care costs are threatening our standard of living. The average American worker would be making $1,000 a year more today if health care accounted for the same proportion of wages and benefits as in 1975.…”