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.
| Shannon R 03/30/2010 05:45:22 AM | Every program of the government must be benefited by all people. Health care reform must be passed so that children and women may also enjoy the benefits of a health care plan. However, the price of health care is certainly going through the roof, and it's no wonder that there's a lot of discussion about health care reform. <a title="Consumers seek short term installment loans for medical expenses" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2010/03/24/consumers-short-term-loans-medical/">Medical expenses</a> and medical payments often send people running for pay day loans, and are involved if not the cause of upwards of 60% or a lot more bankruptcies. The cost of medical insurance is increasing for people and worse, for employers, and one wonders just what is triggering all this. If there is one thing that is for sure, if health care reform doesn't address the reason behind the rise in costs, simply throwing cash at it is only going to make things worse. |
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