Articles
How Commonwealth Care Reinvigorated A Nation
Posted: 08.06.07 by to HP/HP
Considered political poison in the aftermath of Bill Clinton’s health reform gambit of 1993, dreams of universal health coverage for years remained alive mainly in the writings of liberal think tank wonks, health care academics, some pundits, and grassroots health activists. Worthwhile and noble goal that it was, universal care rarely, if ever, nudged its way onto the agenda of any policymaker or political candidate.
Until 2006.
That’s when Massachusetts launched its Commonwealth Care program, aimed at providing basic health coverage to the uninsured. It is the nation’s most comprehensive reform package to date, and it has reinvigorated a movement for universal health care nationwide. Consider that since last Fall, more than 18 states have introduced some form of universal care legislation. The momentum even has found its way to the race for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, with each candidate unveiling (or close to unveiling) a universal care proposal. Corporate America (including Wal-Mart) has also joined the mix, forging a strange bedfellows alliance with labor unions (including the SEIU) to champion “quality, affordable” health care for all Americans by 2012.
And, universal health care reform has emerged as a top election issue for most Americans, with one poll, conducted by the American Society for Quality, indicating that rising health care costs were more worrisome to voters (85%) than the war in Iraq (79%) or global warming (61%).
From a policy advocacy perspective, what does all this mean? On first blush, it appears like it doesn’t mean much. Policymakers have adopted universal health care as an “issue” and they are taking action, responding to a palpable desire for reform among their constituents. Victory achieved, time to move on?
Well, not really. While the recent flurry of health reform activity has been admirable, there are as many iterations of “universal coverage” as there are proposals. Drill deeper into the various platform planks and legislation and a bevy of questions arise, including: Are all children, regardless of insurance status, covered? What types of specialty services (e.g., care for diabetes and heart disease) are covered beyond basic care? What about improved access to dental care for all low-income children and adults? Who will pay for transportation to a doctor’s office or health clinic 20 miles from my house?
These are just a fraction of the questions that must be asked of and considered by policymakers, if real and lasting health reform is to take place. So, the movement has begun, the progress is laudable, and the moment for advocacy is now.