Lately we’ve been forced to sacrifice our wage increases just to keep our health care And it’s getting worse We’ve bargained hard for health coverage

Health costs are outpacing our wage increases HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS WORKERS’ EARNINGS

Cost is the problem The average annual premium for family coverage is now more than $12,000

47 million Americans don’t have health insurance That costs us more For an average annual family policy of $12,000, $922 pays for the cost of the uninsured

Insured, but hurting 1.1 million Minnesotans expect to pay more than 10% of their income on health care costs in 2008

What if… Nobody had to spend more than 5% of their household income on health care?

Do the math Fill out this worksheet to see if your health care is affordable

5% is less expensive The average Council 5 member, earning $36,000 a year, shouldn’t have to spend more than $1,800 a year for health care premiums, drug co-pays, office visits and deductibles

Our 5% Solution First, we define what’s affordable Then, we push elected officials to contain costs to make health care affordable

Who will you trust to fix our broken health care system?

The insurance companies? They want reform that protects their profits – while denying people the care they need

The pharmaceutical industry? They want reform that protects their profits – by charging outrageous prices for the drugs we need

They want reforms that protect the insurance and pharmaceutical companies…not working families Right-wing politicians?

It’s our fight! Protect and improve health care for those who have it Provide health care for those who don’t

Controls costs Provides quality, affordable coverage for all Guarantees you can choose and use your own doctor Offers you the choice of a public alternative to private insurance Requires government to serve as a watchdog to control costs and ensure quality and fairness Lowers employer costs and requires them to pay their fair share We’re working for a state and national solution that:

THEY SAY WE SAY It’s socialized medicine No, it’s government protecting patient’s choice and reducing costs. It’s government-run medicine No, it’s you and your doctor, making medical decisions.

THEY SAY WE SAY You choose. If you like your plan, you keep it. If you want a change, you get options It’s one-size fits all health care Let the market do its job The so-called market means we pay more and get less.

that builds on what’s best about America’s health care system and changes what doesn’t work We want reform…

Talk to people Urge candidates and elected officials to support real reform Support your union in bargaining for health care Fill out the card Join our campaign

Questions?