League supports universal health care
The League of Women Voters of the United States is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League believes that quality, affordable health care should be available to all United States residents. Further, other U.S. health care policy goals should include the equitable distribution of services and efficient, economical delivery of care.
All Americans should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care including prenatal and reproductive health, acute, long-term and mental health care.
The League of Women Voters endorse the efforts of Illinois State Rep. Mary Flowers, chief co-sponsor of HB 311, The Health Care for All Illinois Act; U.S. Rep. John Conyors of Michigan, chief sponsor of HR 676, Guaranteed Health Care for All Americans Act; and all other organizations and individuals working to build support through education and advocacy on the health care crisis in the United States, and a practical solution.
Employers have eliminated or reduced medical insurance or forced current and retired employees to pay more for it. Unable to afford the cost of medical insurance, desperate people are forced to use the services of hospital emergency rooms. Emergency rooms across America are inundated with people seeking medical services.
The collapse of our health care system has resulted in people seeking medical services at neighborhood clinics and even a new development of primary health care in drugstores.
Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama, has relieved overcrowding of the emergency room at University of Chicago Medical Center, through the Urban Health Initiative. The program has dramatically improved health care on the South Side of Chicago, by providing medical services quicker and for less money at neighborhood clinics. And it has arranged for physicians at those facilities.
Her husband, Barack Obama, believes community health centers are an integral part of the total picture to provide quality health care for all Americans. We have been drifting aimlessly for eight years. The time to act is now!
Richard F. Nelson
Aurora