From the LSS Office of Public Policy and Advocacy.

The issue of health care reform is the center piece for a transformative event that may soon take place in our country, often referred to as a "sea change." Previous examples include Roosevelt's New Deal, Social Security, and Johnson's Great Society, which gave us Medicare and Medicaid. This has touched a nerve deep in our country's collective psyche that goes way beyond healthcare reform itself. The super-heated debates stem from the fundamental issue of government control, regulation and taxation. Our country was founded on principles of rugged individualism and freedom from the impositions of tyrannical monarchs. This spirit remains strong today.

The best way to approach any potential policy development is to make sure you have accurate, relevant information. Here is a great source for reliable information:

Kaiser Family Foundation side-by-side comparisons of the major health care reform proposals can be found at http://www.kff.org/healthreform/sidebyside.cfm

One point in particular that is of interest to LSS and the people we serve is the inclusion of coverage for LONG TERM CARE in COMMUNITY SETTINGS for older adults and persons with disabilities. I have written about this on several occasions in the newsletter Do Justice* with regard to the Community Choice Act.

Other features of health care reform that we (and LSA) support are (1) making sure that everyone has access to adequate and affordable health care coverage; (2) coverage that is portable (if obtained through one's employer, you can take it with you if you leave that employer); (3) coverage that can't be denied by reason of a pre-existing condition; (4) the ability of the government to negotiate medication prices with the drug companies; (5) streamlining care, reducing errors, and driving down costs by developing electronic medical records; (6) payment to providers based on outcomes, not just billed procedures; (7) an emphasis on wellness and education for developing good preventive health practices and healthy lifestyles.


* To subscribe to Do Justice, the LSS Public Policy and Advocacy e-newsletter, contact Bob Kay.

Bob Kay
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Lutheran Social Services of New England
603-387-6221 cell
Send Bob an email