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National Health Care Debate
This issue of
Take 5 examines the national focus on health care accessibility and affordability. These issues have taken center stage in mainstream media, the presidential election, and local politics. |
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Fueling the Debate – Health Care
Meets Hollywood:
Sicko has achieved filmmaker Michael Moore’s objective of escalating the national debate surrounding the US health care system. The admittedly biased film vilifies the easy targets– insurance and pharmaceutical corporations– to evoke an emotional response to fundamental questions about equal access to affordable, quality medical care. The Washington Post provides a balanced review of the movie and examines the data behind the film’s many examples of health care gone
wrong.
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Health Care and the 2008 Presidential Election:
Every 2008 presidential candidate’s platform includes a stance on
health care reform. Proposals call for everything from universal coverage to single-payor systems. As the campaigns gain momentum, so will activity in the legislature as each political party is eager
to make their mark before Election Day. While significant change is unlikely in the very near future, attempts to modify laws surrounding universal coverage for children, mental health parity, electronic health records, and the taxable status of health related expenses are currently being considered. Kaiser Family Foundation has published health08.org, a comprehensive source for election issues, analysis and
events.
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California Health Care:
Some state and regional governments have enacted broad health care reform legislation in the absence of a Federal model. The Massachusetts’ Health Access Mandate and San Francisco’s Health Care Ordinance attempt to broaden health access by mandating a “pay or play” model for employers in their jurisdiction. Similar proposals are being considered in the California legislature. Governor Schwarzenegger has put forth a plan that calls for a combination of approaches including employer health spending mandates, individual coverage requirements and an expansion of public programs. CalHealthReform.org summarizes the major proposals for reforming health care in
California.
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