WHEREAS:
Medicare for All is a proposal to establish a national health insurance program that guarantees comprehensive health care coverage for every individual in the United States regardless of age, income, employment status or pre-existing medical conditions, and seeks to eliminate financial obstacles that prevent individuals from receiving necessary medical care; and
WHEREAS:
Millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured and often delay or forgo medical treatment because of high costs, including insurance premiums, deductibles, copayments and prescription drug expenses, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increased financial hardship; and
WHEREAS:
A universal Medicare for All system would provide coverage for essential health services, including primary care, preventive care, hospitalization, emergency services, mental health care, maternity care, prescription drugs, dental, vision and long-term care, while reducing administrative costs and improving access to health care; and
WHEREAS:
Health care is widely recognized as a basic human right, and access to affordable, quality medical care strengthens families, improves public health, increases workplace productivity and reduces health disparities among communities; and
WHEREAS:
Expanding Medicare to cover all Americans would ensure that individuals receive needed medical care without fear of financial ruin and would promote accessibility in the nation’s health care system.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That this organization supports the enactment of Medicare for All legislation, as an option, that guarantees comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for every resident of the United States and urges federal lawmakers to prioritize policies that expand access to quality health care for all, the ability to receive medically necessary care, on-time, every time, by the appropriate provider to be adequately reimbursed, and to improve authorization approval processes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this international body, AFSCME, encourages its affiliated locals and congressional delegations to advocate for legislation that establishes a Medicare for All system as an option, protects patients’ access to affordable health care and ensures that every individual can receive medically necessary services without financial hardship.
SUBMITTED BY:
Juliet White, President and Delegate
Kereen Henry, Delegate
AFSCME Local 154, District Council 37
New York