K. Schneider: Thanks for Support of Health Care Reform

To the Editor:
We are pleased with the recent passage of the health care bill because it represents an important step toward the comprehensive health care reforms so desperately needed in America.  This historic legislation serves as a critical first step as we continue to advocate for the measures that will ensure that the needs of people living with Multiple Sclerosis are met.
MS is a devastating disease that affects more than 400,000 people in the United States. People with chronic illnesses like MS are especially likely to be under-insured, with nearly 25 percent reported to skip medication doses or split dosage without their doctors’ consent because they did not have adequate coverage or access, thus leaving their health and financial security highly vulnerable.
We thank Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Senator Byron Dorgan and Senator Kent Conrad for their support of legislation that, after decades in the making, now provides the broad-based improvements that will make quality, affordable health care more accessible to those who need it the most.
-Kim Schneider, Bismarck
-Mary C Tintes, West Fargo
-Susan Wedberg, Fargo
-Robin Huseby, Valley City

The writers are National Multiple Sclerosis Government Relations Committee Members.