Affordable and Accessible Health Care

My Thoughts and Ideas for Moving Forward on Health Care Coverage for All
 
Comprehensive health care is a necessity for each of us.  I think it is important for the security of our future and the future of our children. The provision of Health Care Coverage is not as complicated as we have been led to believe. It seems to me that the current legislative body is tinkering around the edges, putting band-aids on large wounds, hoping the problem will take care of itself. It is time for all of us to step up to the plate and work together to provide affordable and accessible heath care for all. 
 
Comprehensive Health Care Programs include the following features:

  • Affordable and accessible, allowing the individual to retain a doctor of their choice
  • Medical and mental care throughout life with a focus on wellness and prevention of illness
  • Regular physical examinations including blood chemistry (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, ect.) liver and kidney function tests, colorectal screening, prostate screening, PAP tests, mammograms and other general health checks
  • Access to medically accurate sex education and birth control
  • Pre-natal care, post-natal care and well baby checks.
  • Care for mental health and wellness
  • Planning and provision of medical care through the end of life

 Comprehensive health care is not inexpensive but it is affordable when resources are combined.

  • Individuals, state and federal government, and Businesses/Employers can work together combining their financial supports to save each other money.
  • Individuals/families pay a yearly premium with a low deductible and minor co-pay for health visits to the doctor or Urgent Care (a higher co-pay is needed for non-emergency visits to the emergency room) and for prescribed medications (higher co-pays for non-generic medications unless no other alternative is available and determined to be medically necessary).
  • State and Federal Governments pay a percentage of medical costs. This allows for coverage of low income or unemployed individuals or families.
  • Governments can “shop for discounts” or encourage large group buying power for medical and prescription costs.
  • Businesses/employers, large and small, pay a premium or percentage of medical or prescription costs per employee. They can also “shop around” or encourage large group buying.
  • Resources from all entities are pooled and provide comprehensive health care coverage for all legal residents of the state.

By working together we can save each other resources and provide for affordable and accessible Health Care for all.
 
Penny Bernard Schaber
Candidate, Assembly District 57