Nancy Kassebaum: “Americans deserve the security of knowing that they will not lose their health care coverage if they get sick or lose…”

“Americans deserve the security of knowing that they will not lose their health care coverage if they get sick or lose their job or if they can change jobs. Currently, our system does not provide this security, and as a result many of our workers have to choose between changing jobs and retaining adequate health care for themselves or their families. Others live in fear of losing their health insurance if they lose their job. And many who have paid insurance premiums for years cannot get insurance at any price if they get sick. Clearly these Americans deserve to know that when they are sick or injured, they will get the medical attention that they need when they need it, without having to worry about losing their homes, savings and financial security. Rather than attempting to change the entire health care system at once, this is an incremental approach which targets these specific problems. It will make it easier for those who change or lose their jobs to keep their health insurance, and by limiting exclusions for preexisting conditions, it will assure access to health care for many who are sick.”