Dear Senator Cantwell;

President Obama has promised America that we will see comprehensive health care reform in 2009 – a plan that reduces the exorbitant cost of insurance, guarantees a choice of options and doctors and ensures quality, affordable care for every citizen.

A central part of the President’s plan is a public health insurance option that can compete with private insurers to lower costs and keep the insurance industry honest. We urge you to support the President’s plan, including a public insurance option. As member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, we know your vote is critical on this issue. A real public insurance plan is:

•  Available to everyone nationwide, with the government bearing risk.

• Big enough to compete with insurers. 
  

•  Powerful enough to get good rates from providers but with fair payments that attract broad participation.

•  Innovative enough to change care delivery and put the right incentives in the system.

•  Transparent and accountable.

•  Playing on a level playing field with other plans.

• Able to remedy disparities in access to care for underserved communities.

Please, support lasting health care reform - a plan that includes a public option. Thank you.

**A letter with your name on it will be presented to Senator Cantwell.