For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 13, 2009
Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee on the Urgent Need for Health Care Reform with a Public Option
Washington, D.C. — Health care reform can’t wait. While the cost of health care coverage has skyrocketed, too many Americans are denied or cannot afford the care they need. President Obama said earlier this year, the “cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough.” The President is right – to fix our economy we have to fix health care.
Real reform must include a high quality public health insurance plan as an option for families so that they are not at the mercy of insurance companies. A public health insurance plan will operate more cost-effectively, lower costs and drive quality improvements. It will force efficiencies and innovation in private insurance coverage.
We need an American solution in which all of us – individuals, employers and government – share responsibility for guaranteeing quality, affordable health care we can all count on. Health care must be reformed this year.
America needs quality, affordable health care for all this year. Health care reform cannot wait. America’s families can’t wait.