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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Showdown Looms over the Best “Prescription” for Health Care

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Monday, August 17, 2009   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but fixing the nation's health care crisis is much more complicated. As the August congressional recess continues, the battle over health care reform is heating up around the country. Some opponents say we cannot afford health care reform, while other people think we can't afford not to change the present system. Ron Bridges, director of advocacy and government affairs with AARP Ohio says lawmakers need to work together, stop playing politics and face our problems honestly and directly.

"It's time to turn the page on the rhetoric that divides, and begin a new chapter that builds momentum for health reform that makes health care better and our economy strong."

Critics claim current proposals are akin to socialized medicine, which they say will result in fewer choices and higher costs. Supporters say that's not the case, as reform will stabilize costs, add coverage for pre-existing conditions and give consumers a choice of doctors and plans, including a public option. More than 46 million Americans are uninsured and 14,000 lose insurance coverage each day.

People with pre-existing conditions, such as a cancer diagnosis, are often denied coverage or forced to purchase insurance that doesn't adequately cover needed services. Ana Titus, media advocacy coordinator with the American Cancer Society Ohio Division says that, as a result, many people are not able to pay their medical bills and are eventually forced into bankruptcy.

"We need action now, not later, on health care reform. And cancer patients really cannot afford to wait. Many of them have to decide every single day whether to pay for their mortgage or their health insurance bills."

Titus says consumers need peace of mind to know that if they lose their job or insurance, they will be able to access affordable coverage. An August deadline for reform passed without a vote in Congress and now President Obama is hoping for signed legislation by the end of the year.

More information is available at www.ohioconsumersforhealth.org


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