Healthcare - Fixing the Problem
County: Island
WHEREAS, The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation of the world that does not ensure that every citizen has some form of healthcare.
WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control reported that in 2000 over 40 million Americans under 65 years of age reported having no health insurance coverage.
WHEREAS, The lack of health insurance causes roughly 18,000 unnecessary deaths every year in the United States.
WHEREAS, People with health problems, particularly those with chronic conditions, pay premiums for non-group insurance that are up to 40 percent higher than their healthier counterparts.
WHEREAS, Public health insurance programs targeting lower-income individuals — those earning less than $36,800 for a family of four — still leave many poor people without coverage. Nearly two-thirds of the 43 million uninsured are members of lower-income families. WHEREAS, Universal coverage would minimize gaps in coverage, which currently affect one-third of the population under 65 over a four-year period, interfering with therapeutic relationships, contributing to worse health, and heightening financial risks.
WHEREAS, Universal coverage makes more sense than “rescue” programs for those already seriously ill. For example, access to mammograms fosters early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Currently the uninsured are more likely than those with coverage to die from breast cancer and other treatable diseases.
WHEREAS, Universal coverage would alleviate the economic pressures on health service providers, particularly emergency departments, in regions with high concentrations of uninsured people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That a federally-implemented universal healthcare system would allow every citizen healthcare that is affordable and accessible.
Submitted by: Kyle R.
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