2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial: Local U.S. Rep. offers hope to uninsured
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
02/12/08 - Yesterday U.S. Rep. James Langevin announced legislation for the creation of a national health care plan. His American Health Benefits Program Act calls for a plan that is similar to any federal employee's health plan, with the government, in this plan, paying 72 percent of premiums. It is nice to see that one legislator, particularly one closer to home, has taken the initiative to address this crucial topic.
With Canada, Australia and most of Europe providing some type of national health care coverage to its citizens, the United States seems to be lagging behind in regards to this domestic issue. India's thriving population is already working on a type of plan to suit the country's growth. But with the United States being one of the most successful and developed countries in the world, it leaves one wondering why it has taken the country so long to find a plan that works.
According to a report compiled by the Families USA group, 89.6 million people under the age of 65 were uninsured during 2006-2007. And with winter's flip-flopping temperatures and the start of the flu season, more and more people are seeking medical help. These patients face long lines and over priced co-pays. Those who are uninsured will most likely forgo medical treatment.
It is a given that those without adequate health care would be the ones who suffer the most. A sound plan could alleviate this and can help to foster a community where sufficient care is the priority, not profit.
Proposed plans such as Rep. Langevin's offer hope to millions of Americans who struggle to pay for health insurance. College graduates will experience this firsthand upon graduation when they are no longer insured under their parents' family plan.
In a land of "equal opportunity," this opportunity should include affordable health care for all.
In this year's race for the White House, one may hope that change is just around the corner. Some, but not all, presidential candidates have outlined the importance of creating a national health care plan. One can only hope that the next president can steer this country in the right direction and provide a long overdue health care plan for all Americans sooner rather than later.
With Canada, Australia and most of Europe providing some type of national health care coverage to its citizens, the United States seems to be lagging behind in regards to this domestic issue. India's thriving population is already working on a type of plan to suit the country's growth. But with the United States being one of the most successful and developed countries in the world, it leaves one wondering why it has taken the country so long to find a plan that works.
According to a report compiled by the Families USA group, 89.6 million people under the age of 65 were uninsured during 2006-2007. And with winter's flip-flopping temperatures and the start of the flu season, more and more people are seeking medical help. These patients face long lines and over priced co-pays. Those who are uninsured will most likely forgo medical treatment.
It is a given that those without adequate health care would be the ones who suffer the most. A sound plan could alleviate this and can help to foster a community where sufficient care is the priority, not profit.
Proposed plans such as Rep. Langevin's offer hope to millions of Americans who struggle to pay for health insurance. College graduates will experience this firsthand upon graduation when they are no longer insured under their parents' family plan.
In a land of "equal opportunity," this opportunity should include affordable health care for all.
In this year's race for the White House, one may hope that change is just around the corner. Some, but not all, presidential candidates have outlined the importance of creating a national health care plan. One can only hope that the next president can steer this country in the right direction and provide a long overdue health care plan for all Americans sooner rather than later.