Unless you have been hiding out in a cave the last six months, you have probably seen or read something about health care coverage in the U.S.  One of President Barack Obama’s main objectives while in the White House is to reform health care to provide coverage for every U.S. citizen.  After a summer full of hostility over health care issues, Senators and Representatives are set to return to Washington next week to debate the same bill they left on the table before the summer recess.

Rep. Ben Chandler took a visit to the American Cancer Society’s Lexington office near the UK campus on Tuesday to listen to stories from cancer survivors and those who currently have cancer.  What Chandler heard on Tuesday was what Congressional leaders have heard all summer: the system is broken and needs reform in some way.

Bill Robbins, Board President of the Mid-South division of the American Cancer Society, said it best when he explained why people had gathered to speak with Rep. Chandler.

“We are all here because we know the healthcare system is broken,” Robbins said.  “Those dying from cancer died unnecessarily because they didn’t have adequate health insurance.”

A recent diagnosis of cancer propelled Gail Graves to tell an emotional story.  Diagnosed with breast cancer in January, Graves said she was hesitant to go back to the doctor.

“The reason I didn’t go back is because I didn’t have insurance,” Graves said as her voice cracked and tears flowed from her eyes.

She had surgery in February and treatments in March but said she is “still worried about her insurance.”

Kathy Tabb, the lead volunteer in Kentucky for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network and a 16-year cancer survivor, told her story at the meeting and also gave a good anecdote of why reforming health care is so crucial.

“No one should have to choose between saving their life or their life savings,” Tabb said.

Whether you are Democrat or Republican, health care reform is an issue that affects every single American citizen.  The outbreak of protests over the summer prove that this truly is a polarizing issue for all parties involved.  This issue effects babies, teenagers, college students, adults and senior citizens.

The people have spoken.  House Representatives and Congressional leaders know exactly what their constituents think as they head back to Washington next week.  This issue isn’t about blue and red states or special interest groups.  It’s about doing what is right for an entire country of Americans.  It’s about doing what is right for 47 million people that live their lives on a daily basis without health insurance of any form.

Ben Chandler made a good point on Tuesday.  He talked about America’s role in the world and how we may be looked upon as a leading country but our health care system is not admirable.

“For us to be the only industrialized nation to have uninsured (people), doesn’t shine a good light on our nation,” Chandler said.  “We ought to lead the world in health care.”

While leading the world in health care is a lofty goal, it is not far off from where politicians should have their sights set.  Getting the best health care for the American people will lead this country to the top of the leaderboard in the world.