[Grovenet] Chance to be involved in your future -

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The only thing more certain than Global Warming is that America's healthcare
system is collapsing. 

For the past 150 years employers have been the primary source of healthcare
for many Americans. That system grew during WWII when wages were frozen and
employers attracted workers by offering better and better deals on
healthcare. 

But times have changed.  

Today the employer-provided health care system is crumbling despite the $340
billion dollar tax credits that deplete our national treasure and raise our
individual taxes, while Americans who are covered continue to decline as
employers downsize, outsource and otherwise figure out how to get out from
the onerous costs of benefits for employees. According to an AARP report(1),
the number of Americans covered by employer-paid health insurance has
dropped from 69% to 59% in the last five years alone. 

The idea that employers pay your healthcare is a fantasy. Although wages are
not frozen like they were in WWII, they are limited by those hidden costs
you are given as "benefits" including your health insurance. Employers have
to consider the total cost of employing you to determine who much you will
receive, or even if they can afford to keep you on the job. A dollar that
goes to pay medical insurance is a dollar you won't see in your paycheck,
assuming you get another paycheck. 

Sure, the tax system provides breaks that cover some of those costs, but
then your taxes are based on government getting that money back. So those
"savings" you got by having your employer pay for your health insurance are
part of that your income tax bill most Americans are calculating right now. 

Many states are working on individual ways to "patch" the current mis-mash
system. The AARP has launched a national initiative to reform the system
from the ground up called "Divided We Fail". Here's the platform:

Divided We Fail Platform

We believe that the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term
financial security is a basic need that all Americans share. We believe it
is the foundation for future generations.

We believe all Americans should have access to affordable, quality health
care.

We believe.
All Americans should have access to affordable health care, including
prescription drugs, and these costs should not burden future generations. 

We believe.
Wellness and prevention efforts, including changes in personal behavior such
as diet and exercise, should be top national priorities.

We believe.
Americans should have choices when it comes to long-term care - allowing
them to maintain their independence at home or in their communities with
expanded and affordable financing options.

We believe all Americans should have peace of mind about their future
long-term financial security.

We believe.
Our children and grandchildren should have an adequate quality of life when
they retire.  Social Security must be strengthened without burdening future
generations. 

We believe.
Workers should be provided with financial incentives to save, should have
access to effective retirement plans, and should be able to keep working and
contributing to society regardless of age.

We believe.
Americans of all ages should have access to tools to help manage their
finances, and save for the future and better, easy to understand information
to help them increase their financial literacy and manage their money
wisely.

We stand as strong champions for the new American dream -- to build a 21st
century America where these issues are paramount so that all people can have
the opportunity for a prosperous future.  We also believe that individuals,
businesses, health care providers, non-profit organizations, and government
must work together to find solutions - personally, privately and publicly.
We represent tens of millions of Americans and we believe that all of us
share a responsibility for making our society work and restoring peace of
mind to all Americans.  

This is our platform for positive change and our commitment to current and
future generations. 

Together America will accomplish amazing things.

Divided we fail.

If you're interested, there's more information at:

http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail/

Ron D'Eau Claire 

(1) AARP Bulletin, March 2007