Affordable Health Care For Delaware

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, two pieces of legislation that would help make health insurance more affordable and health care more available for Delawareans were blocked in the state House of Representatives.

One bill would allow the Department of Insurance to review proposed health insurance rates and reject them if they are unreasonable - something the state already does for auto insurance and homoewoners insurance and other kinds, but not health insurance. The other bill would create a statewide health insurance pool that, if fully funded, could save 10 to 30 percent on health care for more than 30,000 people in families and small businesses.

Both bills have passed the state Senate twice -- overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support. But, in the face of health insurance industry opposition and lobbying, neither has been allowed to come to vote in the House of Representatives.

This petition asks that members of the Delaware House of Representatives allow Senate Bill 6 (the health insurance pool) and Senate Bill 37 (review of health insurance rates) to be released from the House Insurance Committee and allowed to come to a vote on the floor of the House in 2008.

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, two pieces of legislation that would help make health insurance more affordable and health care more available for Delawareans were blocked in the state House of Representatives.

One bill would allow the Department of Insurance to review proposed health insurance rates and reject them if they are unreasonable - something the state already does for auto insurance and homoewoners insurance and other kinds, but not health insurance. The other bill would create a statewide health insurance pool that, if fully funded, could save 10 to 30 percent on health care for more than 30,000 people in families and small businesses.

Both bills have passed the state Senate twice -- overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support. But, in the face of health insurance industry opposition and lobbying, neither has been allowed to come to vote in the House of Representatives.

This petition asks that members of the Delaware House of Representatives allow Senate Bill 6 (the health insurance pool) and Senate Bill 37 (review of health insurance rates) to be released from the House Insurance Committee and allowed to come to a vote on the floor of the House in 2008.

We the undersigned, out of concern for the high cost of health care in Delaware and the high number of people without health insurance, ask that work to allow Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 37 to be released from the House Insurance Committee and brought to a vote on the House floor when you return to session in January 2008. Vote however you wish on the bill, but please allow measures this important to be given the courtesy of a vote.

Thank you for your time and attention.