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All messages are published
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The general topic of this message is Health:
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Subject:
Health Care Reform & Professional Counselors
To:
Rep. Frank LoBiondo
September 18, 2009
Thank you for your response to my recent email. I am writing with regard to health care reform. I have been a resident of New Jersey since 1986, and have provided counseling to individuals and families since 1982.
I support a single-payer system. The for-profit health insurance industry has behaved irresponsibly in seeking maximum profit at the expense of the public trust and is the primary cause of the rise in health care costs. Government-run systems such as the VA, Medicaid and Medicare - whatever their flaws - do a far better job keeping people healthy at a reasonable price.
While none of the legislation offered currently goes anywhere near far enough in providing the affordable, universal coverage that all American's deserve, any health care reform legislation MUST include Medicare coverage of counselors. LPCs are well-trained, qualified, cost-effective mental health professionals, and should be covered under Medicare. (Counselor Medicare coverage legislation has been approved in both 2003 and 2005.) With the increasing size of the beneficiary population, counselor coverage is an even better idea now.
I hope that you and your fellow Representatives will have the courage to stand up to the health insurance and pharmaceutical "industries" and ensure that all American's have the same access to health care enjoyed by members of Congress - at the same price. In the meantime, please vote to establish Medicare coverage of counselors and marriage and family therapists in any health care legislation that comes before the House. Such coverage, which would improve Medicare beneficiaries' access to outpatient mental health services, is one small step in the right direction.
Somers Point , NJ
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