A sample letter to your elected officials

Not sure how to express your concern about your access to comprehensive medical care? Here is a sample letter to get you started.

Dear (Elected Official):

I am writing to express my concern that my access to healthcare is being limited.

I have learned from my own doctor and from recent media coverage that the cost of professional liability insurance has exploded for physicians and hospitals. These out-of-control costs, along with the time and energy required of physicians to deal with the burden of lawsuits, is causing some doctors to limit the types of patients they treat, leave Pennsylvania for other states, or leave medicine entirely. I am also aware that these factors are discouraging young physicians from coming to Pennsylvania to practice.

In addition, rising liability insurance costs create even more financial pressure on our hospitals. Paying more for liability insurance takes resources away from important community needs for clinical programs, staffing, and equipment.

I am concerned that access to care is beginning to be reduced as doctors limit their practices and hospitals are forced to direct more money toward insurance premiums and away from patient care.

I urge you and the General Assembly to devote your attention to this serious issue that threatens the healthcare system in Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Letters should be sent to your state senator and representative, as well as Governor Rendell.