To the editor:

Local Branch 104 of the National Association of Letter Carriers voted to endorse passage of HR 676, providing universal health care for all Americans. In doing so, Branch 104 joined the American Nurses Assn.; the United Auto Workers; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the National Education Assn.; and many more. HR 676 has more than 65 co-sponsors in Congress, but sadly, no member from Kansas.

Recent accounts highlight the need for drastic change in our nation’s health care. Family health care premiums have risen 84 percent since 2000. Five million fewer workers are receiving job-based coverage in 2006 than in 2000. There is growing fear that job-based health insurance that covers 175 million American workers could collapse due to costs rising twice as fast as inflation and wages. The number of Americans without health insurance has risen to 46.6 million.

The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation promoting a better health care system for all Americans, recently released some troubling findings. Despite paying twice as much as the median for industrialized nations, our health care systems scored an average of 66 out of 100 based on 37 indicators of health outcomes, quality, access, efficiency and equity. The U.S. ranks last in infant mortality rates and near the bottom for healthy life expectancy.

Pay more, receive less. We deserve better. This November, demand candidates address this crisis that threatens our ability to compete in the 21st century.

Alan Hickey,

Lawrence