Health care a privilege? No way.

As a small-business owner, I have watched the health care reform debate with great interest.

Unlike many of my friends and neighbors, I have to buy my family's insurance through individually offered plans at a much higher rate. These plans often offer less coverage and access. It was one of the major hindrances to going out on my own. It is sad that as the richest and most free nation, something this vital should be so costly.

I was pleased to see that a majority of the House of Representatives made history by passing the Affordable Health Care for America Act. We have been trying to make health care available since the beginning of the last century. It shouldn't be a privilege to get health care. I am businessman and not naive about the cost of such a program. It will cost us money on the front end, but in the long run will not only save money but position America for long-term growth.

America is the only industrialized nation that doesn't offer universal health care. It puts us at a disadvantage, plan and simple. Those against the Act contend that it's a government takeover of health care and will skyrocket cost. That is a horrible lie. Those people don't understand that the real power behind all the misrepresentation is the health care companies. There has been tremendous amount of money and effort put toward killing this bill by those with an economic interest in the status quo.

America can't afford to "stay the course." Health care costs are going up astronomically every year and eventually will be the biggest part of all our expenses. All of us should have access to secure and stable coverage.

Anil Saxena

Naperville