Republicans who voted for the amendment clearly decided that the government does have a role in controlling personal health care decisions. Congress' choice to deny access to a legal procedure is exactly what Republicans have opposed all along. If they are so adamant in regulating a woman's right to chose, maybe they might explain why it is that 85 percent of health insurance companies continue to fund clients for that choice. This is what President Obama means by protecting the "status quot." The idea is to preserve what health insurance providers have already established while regulating obvious problematic rules of denying coverage, raising rates, not covering preexisting conditions, etc.

Moore, who represents a right leaning district, and is facing re- election next year, did not take this vote lightly. Much homework and studies ensued before reaching his decision. His analysis examined the benefits of the legislation in the third Congressional District of Kansas.

The following is a detailed outline of what this legislation will mean for his district alone.

• Improve employer-based coverage for 541,000 residents.
• Provide credits to help pay for coverage for up to 150,000 households.
• Improve Medicare for 89,000 beneficiaries, including closing the prescription drug donut- hole for 9,700 seniors.
• Allow 21,400 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 18,800 small businesses.
• Provide coverage for 47,000 uninsured residents.
• Protect up to 1,200 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
• Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $55 million.

Approximately 72% of the district's population, 541,000 residents, receives health care coverage from their employer. Under the legislation, individuals and families with employer-based coverage can keep the health insurance coverage they have now, and it will get better. As a result of the insurance reforms in the bill, there will be no co-pays or deductibles for preventive care; no more rate increases or coverage denials for pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation; and guaranteed oral, vision, and hearing benefits for children.

Those who do not receive health care coverage through their employer will be able to purchase coverage at group rates through a health insurance exchange. Individuals and families with an income of up to four-times the federal poverty level -- an income of up to $88,000 for a family of four -- will receive affordability credits to help cover the cost of coverage. One-hundred, fifty thousand households in the district could qualify for these affordability credits if they need to purchase their own coverage.

Ten thousand, nine hundred individuals in the district have pre-existing medical conditions that could prevent them from buying insurance. Under the bill's insurance reforms, they will now be able to purchase affordable coverage.

There were 1,200 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance. The bill caps annual out-of- pocket costs at $5,000 for singles and $10,000 for families and eliminates lifetime limits on insurance coverage, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

There are 89,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district. The health care reform legislation improves Medicare by providing free preventive and wellness care, improving primary and coordinated care, improving nursing home quality, and strengthening the Medicare Trust Fund.

Each year, 9,700 seniors in the district hit the donut hole and are forced to pay their full drug costs, despite having Part D drug coverage. The legislation will provide these seniors with immediate relief, covering the first $500 of donut hole costs in 2010, cutting brand-name drug costs in the donut hole by 50%, and completely eliminating the donut hole by 2019.

Under the legislation, businesses with up to 100 employees will be able to join the health insurance exchange, benefiting from group rates and a greater choice of insurers. Twenty-one thousand, four hundred small businesses in the district will be able to join the health insurance exchange.

Small businesses with 25 employees or less and average wages of less than $40,000 will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. There are up to 18,800 small businesses in the district that could qualify for credits.

There are 87,000 uninsured individuals in the district, 13% of the district residents under age 65. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 96% of all Americans will have insurance coverage when the bill takes effect. If this benchmark is reached in the district, 47,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.

In 2008, health care providers in the district provided $55 million worth of uncompensated care. This care was provided to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills. Under the legislation, these costs of uncompensated care will be virtually eliminated.

The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for, half through eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and excessive profits for private insurers in Medicare and Medicaid and half through a surcharge on the income of the top 0.3% wealthiest individuals. This surcharge will affect only 1,320 households in the district. The surcharge will not affect 99.61% of taxpayers in the district.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion over the next decade and will continue to create a budget surplus over the next 20 years.

After fighting for decades, America is finally on a course to gaining meaningful health care reform. Those in Washington who are siding with wealthy Insurance to oppose it will be paying close attention to public reaction toward House members. That is why it is imperative that Congressman Moore hears from Kansans statewide.

Let Congressman Moore know that you appreciate his vote to support a bill that affects all Americans. Help re-elect a fine legislator who has always been a good steward in properly representing his constituents and all Americans who believe in a better future.

Showing support for Congressman Moore will send a loud message to the Senate.