Service members fighting for our country shouldn't have to worry about their families' health care. But millions of military patients and their families are already having trouble finding physicians. Since TRICARE, the military insurance plan for active and retired military members and their families, is tied to Medicare, future doctor payment cuts will cause even greater harm to their health care quality. Unless Congress acts now, future doctor payment cuts will deprive these heroes of the health care they need and deserve. Help protect service members' access to doctors!

Dear [Decision maker],

On behalf of America's service members and their families, I strongly urge you to stop Medicare doctor payment cuts.

Medicare doesn't even reimburse doctors at a level equal to the cost of treating patients. And, recent reports predict that the government will cut the rates further - by 10 percent in 2008, and a whopping 40 percent by 2015!

Past cuts have made it more difficult for service members to find a doctor. Future doctor payment cuts will force doctors to limit the number of new Medicare patients they treat, will make it more difficult to find surgical and medical specialists and will force seniors to travel greater distances for medical care.

With millions of military patients and their families already having trouble finding physicians, these cuts make no sense. Americans have spent years paying taxes and paying into Social Security. We refuse to let insurance companies cut our benefits to line their own pockets.

[Your comment here]

If you don't act now, doctor payment cuts will jeopardize Americans' access to doctors. America's vets have sacrificed for our country and have done their duty to protect all Americans. Please make good on your promise by stopping Medicare doctor payment cuts.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]