ACTION ALERT
TAKE ACTION ON HEALTHCARE REFORM PROPOSED BY
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
THE ISSUE:
The Senate Finance Committee will begin marking-up Chairman Baucus’s proposal on
September 22, 2009 with floor action possible very soon thereafter. Many problematic
amendments have been filed that, if adopted, would make health insurance unaffordable.
Included in the debate are two potential items of concern. First, the committee is considering a
“trigger” to a new government plan based on affordability. The Chamber Alliance for Healthcare
Reform (CAHR) continues to strongly oppose the inclusion of any government-run plan no
matter how it is structured. It is unnecessary for reform and, inevitably, it will use its built-in
advantages and exemptions from many private plan requirements to evolve into a single payer
system over time.
Second, the Senate Finance package includes a new $6 billion annual insurer assessment
based on market share. This is in addition to the excise tax on high-value plans. These new
expenses will be passed directly on to the purchasers of health insurance, making insurance
more expensive for employers and employees.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Now is the time for us to weigh with your Senators. Here are some ways you can help:
 Call your Senators Today and share your concern. (See the CAHR Talking Points on
Key Senate Finance Committee Issues.)
 Write to your Senators using the sample text in the attached draft letter.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this important matter. As always, if you have any
questions please give Rebecca Schneider a call at 313-596-0460.