The lack of insurance and high costs of healthcare means for many Americans a life of illness, despair, bankruptcy and premature death. In the wealthiest country in the world, is this the way we should treat our citizens? After decades of debate and failed attempts, the US Congress on March 21, 2010 has finally enacted legislation that will truly reform the U.S. healthcare system. Health Reform USA is an organization of experienced and proactive health professionals committed to educating and advocating for progressive health reform now. On September 17, we sent to the Congress a letter signed by over 400 of the nation's most respected healthcare experts urging passage of legislation with eight important policies. Those principles have been acheived in the historic legislation. Many of our Advisors and letter signers contributed to this major accomplishment and many will work to implemented these important reforms.

Uniquely comprised of healthcare professionals who have personally witnessed what the lack of insurance and rising healthcare costs have wrought for millions of Americans, we stand behind four principles that were expanded upon in the letter to Congress and our individual efforts to reform the healthcare system. These are:

• Universal, continuous insurance coverage.
   
• Affordable for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
   
• Builds on the existing private and public health insurance programs and delivery system
   
• Provides efficient, safe, and high-quality care.