Don't take away new health care benefits

As of Sept. 23, some very important changes in health care have taken place. A person can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition nor can be dropped from coverage because they have become sick. No child can be denied coverage, and you can cover your child on your insurance plan until age 26. Also starting on that date insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime cap on your medical coverage.

Obviously, these are very important new benefits to address some serious problems with the old system of providing health insurance. These changes will guarantee heath insurance coverage to millions of Americans who previously were unable to get or keep health insurance.

I say to those Republican candidates who are running on a pledge to "repeal and replace" this health care reform legislation that you had better think long and hard before you take away any of these important new benefits. The American people have been waiting too long for this type of meaningful reform of our old broken system to have anyone take us back to when these benefits were not available.

Elections are not about slogans or trying to one up your opponent. They are about electing the right people who will do the right things to improve people's lives. Elections have consequences. If you vote simply because you're angry and elect the wrong person you may pay for that vote for many years to come. If you don't vote because you are angry and the wrong person wins you also may regret that decision for years to come.

The Democrats brought us these new beneficial changes to health insurance and they deserve our support. Vote Democratic on Nov. 2.

Bill Sarto

Carpentersville