Thank You For Supporting Insure Missouri

As the legislative session has ended, we wanted to extend a heart-felt thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Missouri's uninsured. Although our final effort was not successful, we achieved the goal of informing many Missouri legislators of the desperate need for action. 

Together, we sent nearly 500 e-mails to 33 state senators. Those senators passed the "Insure Missouri" proposal by a vote of 30-4. Your grassroots efforts had a real effect -- every senator who received more than 30 contacts voted in favor of the bill. 

Sadly, the House of Representatives held up passage of "Insure Missouri" because of the efforts of Rep. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, and House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill. Schaaf and Jetton would not allow "Insure Missouri" to ever reach the House floor for members to vote on the merits of the Senate-approved plan. As a result, thousands of working Missourians will not be given access to affordable health care. 

As we look ahead to 2009, we will continue to advocate providing affordable, quality health care to our fellow Missourians. Your continued commitment to the cause will be greatly appreciated, and we will be calling upon you for your assistance on behalf of this important issue. 

Again, thank you very much for all you did this year to further the cause of health in Missouri. Stay tuned for more updates and information throughout the year!

Marc D. Smith, President
Missouri Hospital Association
www.myhealthcarematters.com