Get facts before you support health care bill

There have been several letters to the editor praising Rep. David Loebsack's support of the health care bill. Courageous?

Does the public know that this bill cuts Medicare by $400 billion? That there will be 35 million new patients with no new doctors or nurses? That the bill fines the uninsured 2.5 percent of their income if they don't buy insurance?

That there is a low level of subsidy available for the uninsured (only after they pay 8 to 12 percent of their incomes)? That there is a likelihood of a $1,700 increase in the average family's premiums? That there is a possibility of prison for failing to buy insurance or pay the fine?

That the bill includes taxation of medical devices such as pacemakers, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, etc.?

That there will be unfunded mandates on the states due to the increase in Medicaid eligibility? That there is a 40 percent tax on health insurance premiums that will affect households earning more than $75,000 by year five of the plan?

Get the facts. Private sector reforms only. Tell Sen. Tom Harkin to vote against this atrocity.

Cathy Grawe

Coralville