2. What measures are you supporting to assure affordable health insurance coverage for all Americans?
As of 2004, there were nearly 46 million people who had no health coverage and millions more who were underinsured and incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses. Almost six million people lost their coverage between 2000 and 2004.
Health care for all citizens is essential and must be a priority for congress.
But, I also stress the need for preventive medicine, personal responsibility and life style choices. Rather than look to government to meet all needs, the community of retired medical professionals is an untapped resource.
Retired people who remain active and involved live fuller and healthier happier lives.
Retired professionals could be a great public service by offering educational seminars in schools, places of worship and community centers to educate and encourage the full engagement of every individual to be pro-active regarding their own and their families ' health.
3. What measures are you supporting to control rapidly rising health care costs and health insurance premiums?
Employer health insurance premiums increased 73 percent between 2000 and 2005. During the same period, inflation rose only 15 percent and the employee share of employer 's health insurance premiums rose 143 percent.
A hybrid system using the existing insurance companies to be intermediaries would be my choice. The federal government is too inefficient and the abuses in the Medicare/Medicaid programs prove that government should not be trusted in imposing managed care. The state of Massachusetts has enacted a law that requires health insurance thru a combination of government incentives, employer subsidy, etc. This program should be carefully watched by all, for the answer may be right in front of us.
Another reason for high costs is the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. Malpractice cases must be capped; there must be more arbitration and less compensation to attorneys.
Our strength is in solidarity: we the people can speak with one voice about healing our ailing health care system; we can become one fierce force of energy when we stand in solidarity for people rights and NOT for corporate profits.
"Be the change you want to see in the world "-Gandhi
DO SOMETHING
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