Make Sure Californians Get Quality Health Care Reform!
The time has come for health care reform in California. The legislature and Governor have realized what we all know -- that 6.5 million uninsured Californians is unacceptable, health care costs are spiraling out of control, and we need to improve and expand our health care system to cover all Californians.
But we need more than just insurance coverage. Over 7,000 Californians die every year from hospital infections, according to the California Dept. of Health Services - eliminating these infections alone would save an estimated $3 billion per year in California. And a recent report revealed that medication errors harm 150,000 Californians and cost the state over $17 billion every year!
In his health care reform proposal, Governor Schwarzenegger recognized that in order to provide all Californians with top quality health care, we must reduce the rates of medical errors. We need your help to make sure that strong safety improvements to reduce medical errors are included in any final reform bill that reaches the Governor's desk. Send a message to the policy makers who are currently sponsoring legislation by signing this petition today!
Make sure California's health reform is safe!
Dear [Decision Maker],
I strongly commend you for your commitment to reforming California's health care system. Affordable health care is critical for consumers and for the state's economy. Strong safety and quality improvements must be part of any reform package, and I urge you to add measures that will cut costs and save lives.
Studies have shown that Americans get the right care only half the time, and medical errors and hospital infections cost Californians' their lives as well as billions of dollars each year. Eliminating hospital infections alone, by requiring hospitals to publicly disclose infection rates, would save $3 billion per year--dollars we need for comprehensive reform and to control spiraling health care costs.
I urge you to enact consumer friendly, comprehensive health insurance reform that has quality and safety measures, including public reporting of hospital infection rates, to save lives and control spiraling health care costs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
