WHEREAS:

The number of uninsured people living in the U.S. continues to rise despite an economy where unemployment rates are low; and

WHEREAS:

Medicaid managed care continues to undermine safety net health care providers and privatization of public hospitals, nursing homes, and other services has often led to downsizing, less patient access, and less responsiveness to the community; and

WHEREAS:

Research shows that poor health outcomes are linked to disparities in race and income in communities throughout the U.S.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME will continue its fight for adequate resources for the public health safety net delivery system, and educate the public about the importance of the health care safety net; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME will fight to reform Medicaid managed care programs that treat safety net providers unfairly and allow private HMOs to profit unfairly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME will join public education programs to raise awareness about high rates of certain diseases and conditions among particular communities and racial and ethnic groups; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

AFSCME will continue to be a strong voice at the federal, state, and community level, in coalition with the people who rely on safety net services, for a strong health care safety net and the survival of safety net hospitals and other providers.

SUBMITTED BY:

James Butler, President and Delegate 
Louise DeBow, Recording Secretary and Delegate 
AFSCME Local 420, Council 37
New York