WHEREAS:

Only 58 percent of all American workers receive health care on the job, down from 62 percent in 1988; and

WHEREAS:

Over 20 percent of all American workers cannot afford to buy health coverage through their employer because co-pays and deductibles are so high; and

WHEREAS:

Over 16 percent of the U.S. population -- 41 million people -- is uninsured, up from 13 percent in 1988; and

WHEREAS:

Over 13 percent of the U.S. population is now covered by Medicaid; and

WHEREAS:

Over 60 percent of retirees age 55-65 have no employer-paid health insurance and must either purchase their own coverage or do without insurance until they become eligible for Medicare; and

WHEREAS:

Nearly all Americans are at risk for the enormous costs of long-term care, because employer health plans and Medicare offer little coverage, private long-term care insurance is prohibitively expensive, and Medicaid covers only the impoverished; and

WHEREAS:

Double-digit annual increases in health care costs have moderated, but it may only be temporary; and

WHEREAS:

After extensive study and discussion AFSCME endorsed and supported a single-payer method of financing and assuring universal coverage in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME strongly supported President Clinton's effort to enact a national health plan with universal coverage, comprehensive benefits, and strong cost containment through a managed competition approach; and

WHEREAS:

A misinformation campaign and fear tactics by insurance companies and other special interests defeated President Clinton's comprehensive health reform initiative.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to fight for universal coverage for all Americans, regardless of job status or ability to pay; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support legislation at the national level which will enhance health security; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME call for restoration of funds cuts in Medicaid and passage of long term health care, including home health care and legislation to improve the wages, benefits and working conditions of care givers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support all unions, civil rights and gay rights organizations in their struggle to prevent employers from dividing our ranks with their attempts to exclude from health coverage persons with the AIDS virus, or persons subject to drug and alcohol abuse; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work to elect candidates who pledge to expand health insurance coverage and make health insurance more affordable to all Americans.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work for the eventual creation of a National Health Care System which will provide quality affordable health care to every person as a fundamental right.

SUBMITTED BY:

Henry Nicholas, President & Delegate
Kathy Sackman, Secretary-Treasurer & Delegate
NUHHCE/AFSCME Local 1199