Health Care Bill Is Critical For Poor and Low-Income Women.
Posted By: Adrian Bracy 
Date Posted: February 2nd, 2010 Category: Reform
The health care reform bill that is pending in Congress should be passed. The differences in the House and Senate versions must be hammered out and approved for final legislation to pass. It’s fundamental to the YWCA Metro St. Louis mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Yes, race and sexism play heavily in policies and equal access to health care for the people we serve.
Poor and low-income women, single mothers and young women are uninsured at higher rates than other groups. Disparities in health care are a major reason African Americans and other minorities are more adversely impacted by illnesses and diseases in this country. For example, be it heart disease, diabetes, breast and cervical cancer to HIV/AIDS, African Americans’ mortality rates compared to whites is shocking.
Some of the provisions that may be included in the final legislation would benefit all of us. The provision that prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions would hold insurers accountable and keep health care costs from skyrocketing.
Our country’s wealth, means and promises of equal pursuit of happiness have made America the envy of the world. While there are many things that need to be addressed to make our nation better, let’s take advantage of this opportunity we have before us to improve health care, decrease costs for those who are already insured and provide coverage for an estimated 30 million Americans who are uninsured.