With more rhetoric than remedy surrounding the debate over health care reform, NYSUT, in conjunction with other unions, has prepared fact checks on the issues.

Union members are encouraged to contact their elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to support health care for all. The statewide union is advocating for the specific reform bill HR 3200, which NYSUT president Dick Iannuzzi calls "the most helpful."

HR 3200 includes a new government-run insurance plan to compete with private companies, a requirement that all Americans have health insurance, a prohibition on denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and, to pay for it all, a surtax on households with an income above $350,000. For full text, go to www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text.

"This is about you, your family, your kids, your grandparents," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin, who oversees the union's legislative department. "Health care reform makes insurance accessible."

Here is a summary of facts that dispels some of the myths about health care:

Myth: Reform will mean a government takeover of health care, or it could lead to "rationing."

• Fact: Reform will stop rationing, not increase it. The Obama plan will forbid many forms of rationing currently used by insurance companies, such as denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Myth: We can't afford universal health insurance coverage.

• Fact: President Obama identifies ways to pay for the majority of the upfront costs. The plan will cut fraud and abuse within existing federal programs; end big subsidies to insurance companies; coordinate care; and streamline paperwork.

Reform will bring down escalating costs contributing to the national fiscal crisis.

Myth: Reform will encourage euthanasia or death panels that would try to "kill off Grandma."

• Fact: There is no language in any reform bill that would encourage or require euthanasia. For seniors who want to consult voluntarily with their doctors about personal and difficult "end-of life" decisions, reform will help cover these private consultations. The White House reports there is no government panel to decide on end-of-life care.

Myth: Health insurance reform will limit veterans' access to the care they get now.

• Fact: The president's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 veterans who were previously excluded.

The VA health care system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

Myth: Health insurance reform will be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.

• Fact: Your Medicare is safe and stronger with health insurance reform. Reform is slated to improve the long-term financial health of Medicare; ensure better health care coordination; eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to some Medicare Advantage plans; and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

Myth: Health care reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

• Fact: You can keep your existing insurance; reform will expand your medical options, not eliminate them.

Myth: Undocumented immigrants will be eligible to receive health insurance coverage.

• Fact: Specific language prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving coverage.

Myth: Reform will allow federal tax dollars to be used to pay for abortions.

• Fact: The federal Hyde Amendment supersedes health reform by prohibiting any use of federal dollars to pay for abortions.

Myth: Health insurance reform will hurt small business.

• Fact: Reform will ease the burdens on small businesses; provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage; help level the playing field with big corporate firms that pay (on average) much less to cover their employees; and help them attract and maintain qualified workers.

Myth: Health insurance reform will lead to the government being in charge of your bank accounts.

• Fact: Government will not have anything to do with your bank accounts. Reform will simplify administration, making it easier and convenient for you to pay medical bills in a method that you choose.

Just like paying a phone bill or utility bill, you can pay by traditional check or direct electronic payment. Medical forms will be standardized and easier to understand.

Some of the advantages of health care reform, as listed by the AFL-CIO, are that health reform will put you and your doctors —not insurance companies — in charge of your health care.

It will hold down rising costs from expenses, deductibles and co-pays, and outlaw lifetime limits on coverage. Reform will provide health care even if you lose your job, get sick or retire.

It will require all companies to pay at least 72.5 percent of the premium for individual coverage; 65 percent for family coverage, adjusted for part-time.

Companies that do not have health care for workers will be required to pay to help support the public health insurance option.

The plan will make it easier for small businesses that now pay the highest insurance premiums by making it easier for them to provide and pay for health benefits.

For more information go to http://www.afl-cio.org/ and click on "Health Care Facts."

According to Linda Douglass, director of communication for the White House Office of Health Reform, health insurance reform will reduce costs of prescription drugs for Medicare patients and provide free preventive care.

Under health reform, those who lose their insurance or are underinsured can shop around for a new plan on the proposed insurance exchange. Furthermore, Douglass said, you cannot be denied coverage if you are sick.

People with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage; furthermore, reform will extend the availability of voluntary programs for the disabled.

For more information, check out www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/