Tuesday
Jul082008
Health Care for America Now!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 3:22PM
“Something is wrong in America when getting a gun is easier than getting an appointment with your doctor,” stated Anna Burger, International Secretary-Treasurer for the Service Employees International Union. She and several presenters spoke to an energized news conference gathered for the unveiling of a new major campaign ad from Health Care for America Now!, an organization pushing for quality, affordable health care for every American.
According to the president of the National Education Association Reg Weaver, 9 million children in America do not have health care. This inhibits their ability to perform well in school, setting them behind others when joining the workforce later in life. Marcia Greenberger of the National Women’s Law Center added that 1 in 4 US women say they cannot afford their health care bills, often choosing between prescription drugs or putting food on the table for their families.
Health Care for America Now, and all speakers stated the importance of health care reform for the new presidential administration in 2009. Gerald McEntee of the American Federaton of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) best summed up the sentiments from the conference. “No more political posturing. We’ve talked long enough. Now, we need action.”
According to the president of the National Education Association Reg Weaver, 9 million children in America do not have health care. This inhibits their ability to perform well in school, setting them behind others when joining the workforce later in life. Marcia Greenberger of the National Women’s Law Center added that 1 in 4 US women say they cannot afford their health care bills, often choosing between prescription drugs or putting food on the table for their families.
Health Care for America Now, and all speakers stated the importance of health care reform for the new presidential administration in 2009. Gerald McEntee of the American Federaton of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) best summed up the sentiments from the conference. “No more political posturing. We’ve talked long enough. Now, we need action.”
Insurance Providers' Profits Are Up While Coverage Dwindles, Claims New Report
A new report compiled by the organization Health Care for America Now finds that leading insurance providers made record profits in 2009 while simultaneously dropping many Americans' coverage.
“These companies increase their profits by 56 percent last year while shedding 2.7 million people from private insurance,” said Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager for Health Care For America Now, during a conference call with reporters.
Kirsch says that these companies are spending more money on administrative work than distributing health care to individuals, and notes that these companies have also spent 25 percent more lobbying against comprehensive health care than in 2008.
In light of the report, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) reiterated the economic case for reforming the health care system.
“We need to press forward to have health insurance reform to provide economic security for American families,” said DeLauro. “We have seen bad behavior come from the health insurance industry."