As the Obama administration develops strategies to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and provide relief to middle-class Americans, it is imperative that health care reform be considered as an essential part of fixing the economy.

There are several key reasons why economic strengthening and health care reform go hand in hand, including the alarming rate at which rising costs of premiums and high deductible plans are squeezing middle class pocket books.  One reason providing low-cost quality care through a National Health Plan can help grow the economy is that workers who are trapped in jobs because of the insurance provided through employers will have more flexibility and ability to create their own small businesses or be self-employed as entrepreneurs.  Women who want to work at home to help manage their family responsibilities and cut back on child care expenses will benefit from the ability to purchase low-cost quality health care through the National Health Plan as well.

In addition, the stress of the uninsured on the health system has significant implications for rising costs and premiums.  The insured who continue to make premium payments regardless of the increases will see relief from this uncontrolled rise as more Americans care will be covered.  The lack of control or ability to know the extent of rising costs forces many insured Americans to accommodate rising costs without the ability to plan financially.  In a home budget, sticking to that budget is difficult when one expense that is necessary can increase significantly without much warning.

The most important part of economic well being is the impact of providing preventive health services to all American workers.  A healthy population is a productive work force.  We must invest in the health of all Americans as part of our economic stimulus plan in the coming months.

Many members of the middle and upper classes feel that the creation of a National Health Plan uses their hard–earned money to redistribute wealth.  If the economic downturn is not addressed, middle class jobs will be lost and health insurance along with it.  We have a choice to support efforts to help others in ways that will ultimately benefit us.   Supporting health care reform that improves access to low cost insurance is one aspect of ensuring the economic well-being of the middle class.

For more information please read the following articles:

“Make Health Care Costs Part of the Economic Cure” from the Detroit Free Press

“Record Share of Economy Spent on Health Care” from the Washington Post