National Leadership Absent on Health Care Crisis
California lawmakers recently sent a strong message about the state of working America, passing a bill that would require all but the smallest businesses to provide health insurance to California workers. With 41 million Americans uninsured and no national leadership coming from the Bush Administration, states have been forced to address the U.S. health care crisis.
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While most union members receive affordable health benefits as part of their union contract, a growing number of Americans--especially those employed by America’s largest employer, Wal-Mart--are forced to make a choice between basic needs like paying rent or paying for health care; between school clothes or a medical exam; between staying alive today or keeping their health for a lifetime. Today’s working families face the risk of poverty, poor health and economic insecurity as a permanent condition of life. Behind half of the nation's 1.5 million bankruptcy filings, a serious medical problem is a contributing factor.
California’s Answer
The California legislation--supported by doctors and worker groups, including the UFCW--would cover over 1 million of 6.3 million uninsured Californians. Pending California Governor Gray Davis’ signature, the legislation would require employers to purchase private health care policies for workers or pay into a statewide pool that would purchase insurance on their behalf. All employers with 200 or more workers would have to comply by 2006. Those with 50 to 199 workers would have until 2007 to comply, and employers with 20 to 49 workers would be exempt until the state provided them with a tax credit subsidy to help offset the insurance costs. Those with fewer than 20 workers would be exempt. The bill faces fierce opposition from business and the special interest that may prevent its ultimate enactment.
Action By Other States
Other state legislators around the country are also confronting the health care crisis.
Currently, Hawaii is the only state that requires businesses to provide health insurance for full time employees. As recently as June, Maine passed a law that aims to provide health insurance to all residents by 2009. Lawmakers in several other states, including Maryland, Illinois, New Mexico and Wisconsin, are conducting studies or drafting legislation to expand health coverage to their uninsured residents.
According to analysts, if California’s health care bill is signed into law it would give other states a model to adapt from, making it easier to pursue legislation of their own.
Should all Americans who work hard every day have a right to employer-provided health care? Make your voice heard.
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National Leadership Absent on Health Care Crisis |
