For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 23, 2009
TV Ads Expose Votes Against Reform As Votes For Insurance Companies
Saying No to Reform Means Saying Yes to Denials for Pre-Existing Conditions
Washington, D.C. —***Watch the tv ads here ***
On the heels of President Obama’s prime time press conference and continued push for comprehensive health care reform, Health Care for America Now (HCAN) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have launched a $500,000 television advertising campaign in eight states targeting a Senator and seven members of Congress who oppose health care reform legislation. The ad points out that in voting against reform, the members of Congress would allow health insurance companies to continue to deny people coverage for pre-existing conditions.
“Fighter” airs for five days starting today in Congressional districts represented by six Republican House members and one Republican Senator who voted against health care reform legislation last week: Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Representatives Dave Camp (MI-04), Pat Tiberi (OH-12), Mark E. Souder (IN-03), Dave G. Reichert (WA-08), Eric Cantor (VA-07) and Bill Cassidy (LA-06). HCAN is also running an ad against Arizona Representative John B. Shadegg (AZ-03) who has been the prime sponsor of legislation that would allow insurance companies to escape state regulation of denials for pre-existing conditions.
The “Fighter” ad proved effective last election cycle in educating people as to their candidates’ positions on health care. Health Care for America Now used the spot as part of a more than $3 million comprehensive campaign – which included TV, mail, and phone – in 6 Congressional districts and in New Hampshire. According to Lake Research Partners, the sophisticated campaign was extremely successful and “changed perceptions on health care had a significant impact on voter choice, increasing the margin for the pro-health care candidate by +13 points.”
“Republicans intent on killing reform for political gain need to be held accountable for their actions,” said Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager, Health Care for America Now. “Voting no on the House and H.E.L.P. bills is voting to let insurance companies continue to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. People need to know their elected officials are choosing to keep them trapped at the mercy of private health insurance companies to score political points in DC as opposed to doing what’s best for their constituents back home.”
“These Republicans on Capitol Hill are fighting for the insurance industry, not the American people,” said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. “We’re not going to let them get away with it. They are putting profits ahead of people, and the voters need to know it.”
AD SCRIPT:
I’ve never faced an enemy like cancer.
But it’s ok. I’m a fighter.
Now I find out that Congressman Eric Cantor voted against health care reform that would stop insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions like cancer
He wants me to fight cancer and the insurance companies?
Fine. I’ll take you both on.
VOICE OVER:
Tell Congressman Cantor to fight for us not the insurance companies.
DOCUMENTATION:
On July 17, 2009, Rep. Eric Cantor voted “NO” on HR 3200, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, which would prohibit insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:
(See Section 111)
TITLE:
Tell Congressman Cantor
Fight for us
1-877-264-4226
TITLE:
HCAN Logo and AFSCME Logo
Paid for by Health Care for America Now and Health Care for America Education Fund and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) http://www.healthcareforamericanow.org
