Making Health Care Coverage a Top Priority

By Sarah Goodman, Summer Intern, WomenVote PA

There are more than 46 million people in the United States – 16% of the population – who lack health insurance.  These individuals are at risk of not receiving the regular care they need, which can lead to serious medical problems down the line.  In Pennsylvania, 767,000 citizens are uninsured.  Moreover, the vast majority of uninsured adults in the United States – and Pennsylvania – have full-time jobs and many are employed by small businesses.  Frequently small businesses have to choose between paying hefty insurance premiums and letting their employees go without vital health insurance, one of the most persistent challenges in achieving universal coverage. 

Many working people are trying to provide health insurance for their families but cannot because of the rising cost of health care.  With the November 4th General Election just around the corner, Americans need to be asking the Presidential candidates what they intend to do to solve the rising cost of health care and the growing number of uninsured people in our country.

The Nation:  What are the Presidential Candidates Proposing?

Barack Obama, who has called for universal health care in the United States by no later than 2012, has unveiled a plan to extend tax credits to small employers that provide medical coverage.   According to the Obama campaign, they believe by offsetting the health-care costs for small businesses, it would allow them to invest more money in growth and job creation. “Under the plan, small businesses would get a refundable credit of as much as 50% on the premiums they pay on behalf of employees. To qualify, the businesses will have to offer a “quality health plan” for all workers and cover a “meaningful” share of the costs, said Jason Furman, Obama economic policy director.”

Republican candidate John McCain’s health care proposal, as outlined on www.johnmccain.com, would operate as a free-market, consumer-based system.  McCain believes in granting citizens the freedom of choosing their own health care plan, and plans to do so by offering alternatives to employer-based medical coverage with a tax credit:  $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families.

Status of Health Care Coverage in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, two proposals are being considered for health care reform in our state:

• Senate Republicans introduced HeathNet PA, a $100 million program which would expand access and affordability to health care for the uninsured.  The program “would use information technology to control costs, reduce health care-associated infections, and provide expanded insurance options for employers and families.”  Funding would be generated from existing resources and would not increase taxes.  Proponents of the program, such as Ted Erickson, R-Delaware and Chester counties and chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, suggest that the program “improves access to health care, because insurance doesn’t equal care.  And it actually controls costs, rather than simply shifting them around.”
• Pennsylvania ABC, proposed by Governor Ed Rendell and supported by House Democrats, would extend affordable health insurance to small businesses and the uninsured, with subsidized coverage for people with low incomes.  The plan requires a tax raise, to be levied on tobacco.
• Republicans contend their plan would help more people at a fraction of the cost of the Democrats’ proposal.  Democrats, meanwhile, claim HealthNet PA was aptly named “because it’s full of holes – holes uninsured people can fall through.”

The General Assembly adjourned for its summer recess at the end of June without addressing health care.  While widely considered to be one of the most important issues facing Pennsylvania, legislative leaders have been unable to strike a deal on health care.  Lawmakers have become blinded by politics and have allowed this pressing issue to fall to the wayside.  Health insurance is not only what Pennsylvanians need – it is what they deserve. 

Americans must put health care front and center in the upcoming General Election by asking not only the Presidential candidates what they intend to do about this critical issue, but also all of those running for state and congressional offices.  A universal health care plan that guarantees eligibility to all Americans with comprehensive benefits and affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles, appears to be the best option.  It’s time to solve this growing problem!