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DON'T DELAY THE RIGHT TO HEALTH CARE
Call your Members of Congress on International Human Rights Day
Today - December 10 - the world observes Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the United Nation's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The promotion of human rights and human dignity are key elements of this international document, embraced by countries around the world. Congress and the Administration have been striving to extend the human right to health care to more people in the United States with the goal of passing health reform legislation by the end of the year. Should this issue slip too far into 2010 - an election year - the nation risks years of continued delay. The National Council calls upon Mobilizer readers to tell Congress to expand the human right to health care by passing health reform this year without delaying the expansion of health insurance for vulnerable Americans and important consumer protections for all.
WHAT'S ON THE TABLE?
While neither the House nor the Senate bills represent the comprehensive reform long sought by the National Council, several measures under consideration take solid steps forward by providing health care to millions who currently have nothing. These measures include significant Medicaid expansion, laudable consumer protections, and the recent 11th-hour Senate proposal to allow individuals age 55-64 (a population with high rates of chronic disease) to buy into Medicare. In our ultimate quest to expand health coverage to all individuals, we would welcome this incremental expansion of an important federal program.
WHY DELAY? ACT TODAY! Two key provisions with broad bipartisan and bicameral support are set for delayed implementation, raising significant concerns for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their advocates. Advocates have two opportunities to influence implementation timelines - first in the Senate (still considering its health reform package) and secondly in Conference Committee.
- Delayed Medicaid Expansion: Both House and Senate proposals would delay Medicaid expansion until 2013 and 2014, respectively. Both proposals cover virtually all individuals experiencing homelessness - 70% of whom currently are uninsured. This vulnerable population simply cannot wait for coverage.
- Delayed Consumer Protections: Important provisions such as the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions, premium rating, and lifetime limits are delayed until 2013 in the House proposal and 2014 in the Senate. This needless delay leaves millions of Americans at continued risk of losing coverage and at greater risk of job loss, bankruptcy, and homelessness.
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