Health care: Make your voice heard

The following is a column by Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

Health care affects people more directly than any issue I’ve worked on during my time in public service. 

We are all patients at some point in our lives, and we all know people who have benefited from the amazing medical treatments that are available today.

But we also all likely have friends or family members who fought endless battles with an insurance company, or neighbors who have no insurance at all and who were brought to the brink of financial ruin by a health problem.

Now, Kansans have two opportunities to make their voices heard in the national discussion on the health care crisis and how to solve it.

The first involves comprehensive health care reform in Kansas.  The Kansas Health Policy Authority – a bipartisan group created to oversee health care in our state – is touring Kansas, listening to the stories of patients, providers, families and business leaders.

You can be a part of this discussion by going to www.khpa.ks.gov and offering your stories or your suggestions for how to improve health care in Kansas.  Your input will help shape the reform plan that is presented to me and the Legislature later this year, and which will set us on the path to coverage for all Kansans.

At the same time, I also hope you’ll contribute to a national debate on health care for children – a debate that’s taking place right now. 

Congress needs to take action soon in order to continue a program that provides health insurance to tens of thousands of Kansas children.  As part of this debate, there are proposals being offered that would expand the number of low-income children who receive health care, and therefore have a healthier start on life. 

I am joining other governors across the country in urging our congressional delegation to support an expansion in health insurance for children. We know that if a child is healthy, they will have a better start towards a successful life.  I encourage you to contact Senators Brownback and Roberts, and your Congressional representative to add your voice to the discussion.

We can solve the health care crisis, but only if you make your opinions known to the people elected to represent you. 

Together, we can create a future where every Kansan has access to affordable, quality health care, and I look forward to working with you to make that future a reality.

# # #