Your letter is one of thousands I've received from concerned citizens about hundreds of issues.  I am working diligently to respond thoughtfully to these topics of concern, and I hope you will forgive the delay in my response.

The United States has the best-trained health care professionals who lead the world in research and innovation, yet millions of Americans do not have access to our health care system and do not receive basic care.  Currently there are over 46 million uninsured Americans.  Many of these Americans are employed, but do not have employee-sponsored benefits and cannot afford such benefits on their own.

I believe the rising costs of health care-health insurance and prescription drugs in particular-are threatening the financial security of our families.  In the 111th Congress, I am eager to work with my colleagues to help make health care coverage affordable to more Americans.  I support initiatives that will focus on strengthening the purchasing power of individuals and small businesses in order to reduce the number of uninsured by spreading risk and reducing premium costs. 

Unfortunately, the specific issue you contacted me about did not come to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote in the 110th Congress.  Please know that as I prepare for the 111th Congress, I will keep your thoughts in mind on this matter should relevant legislation come to the floor for a vote in the future.

Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue.  I am proud to serve Illinois' Eighth District, and I am committed to working hard for you.  Please do not hesitate to write, call, or email if I can ever help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Melissa L. Bean

Member of Congress

P.S. To stay informed on this and other important topics, visit my website at www.house.gov/bean to subscribe to e-news updates.