The costs of health care and lack of affordability of health insurance has seriously impacted Oklahoma families and our quality of life.

In Oklahoma, our health insurance premiums went up 50% between 2001 and 2005 while incomes remained at the same level. Today, a family is paying over $11,000 a year for health insurance while the median household income is just over $37,000.

No wonder over 640,000 Oklahomans, including 146,000 children, are uninsured; almost 21% of the population. Nationwide, eighty (80) % of uninsured adults in the nation are employed but still can not afford health insurance.

Many middle income families face bankruptcy when a major medical crisis occurs, even if they have insurance. Businesses, large and small, would like to be able to provide health care benefits but, either, can no longer afford to provide their employees health benefits, or are forced to ask their employees to contribute a larger share of their salary.

Forty-one countries have longer life expectancies than we do. Despite the amazing medical advances, the many fine medical professionals and spending more per capita on health care than any country in the world; health care is on the critical list in America and in Oklahoma due to soaring health care costs.

Affordable Health Care

"I firmly believe every American citizen should have access to quality, affordable health care just as every child has access to public education. It is the right thing to do!

"Although reducing health care costs and finding the means for universal health care is a very complex problem to resolve, there are some basic "common sense" components to the solution that will cost very little to implement.

"1) We all must take more personal responsibility for our health by eating right, exercising, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. One of my core principles is personal responsibility and the belief that we must look to ourselves first for solutions.

"Reducing health care costs begins with each individual taking personal responsibility for their well being and health. If we all took better care of ourselves we would reduce health care costs dramatically and feel a whole lot better too. This is where YOU and I can make a big difference. Join me in the "Walk to Washington" to get started.

"2) Prevention must drive our strategy to reduce health care costs. We need to emphasize wellness care (i.e. preventative medicine) instead of sick care (i.e. after the fact). That emphasis would involve wellness programs, information and education for all ages, and health insurance that covers and encourages preventive care.

"3) Reduce the administrative costs of health insurance. The United States spends almost six times as much on administrative costs as other advanced countries. Nearly thirty cents of every $1 spent on health care goes for administrative costs.

"Congress must act to reform our health care system. The issue is complex, and I certainly don't have the answers, but I will listen to all sides and work with all sides to find solutions so that all Americans have access to affordable health care and quality health care."

Frankie Robbins