On Jun 25, 2009, at 10:12 PM, <correspondence_reply@webb.senate.gov >  <correspondence_reply@webb.senate.gov > wrote:

June 25, 2009

Dear Mr. Hull:

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform.  I appreciate your taking the time to share your views and concerns.

As you know, addressing the health care crisis in our country is a top priority for me and my colleagues in Congress.  There are 47 million Americans without health insurance and millions more that are underinsured.  Health care costs currently consume more than $2 trillion per year and are estimated to reach over $4 trillion by 2017, jeopardizing family budgets and the long term financial stability of our system.  Despite these huge expenditures, the United States ranks 42nd in the world in life expectancy, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and our health care system ranks lower than many countries on quality, access, efficiency, equity, and preventative care. We must improve the value and availability of care while addressing the increasing burden health care costs are placing on American families.  Providing all Americans with access to affordable health insurance also means that the cost of uncompensated care for the uninsured will not be added onto the costs of the insured.

I believe that everyone in this country should have access to health insurance that is affordable, that provides adequate coverage, and that is always available.  We can do this by producing better information regarding treatment, promoting health and preventing disease, and creating incentives so that all Americans can receive quality health care.  We can offer Americans better, more affordable health care choices while allowing those who are insured to keep their coverage.  We should also closely examine the role that health insurance companies play on the rising costs of health insurance in this country.

As the Senate continues to debate health care reform, please be assured that your views will be very helpful to me and my staff.  I hope that you will continue to share your views with us in the years ahead.

I would also invite you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on matters that are important to Virginia and our nation.

Sincerely,

Jim Webb

United States Senator

JW:cw