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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2005 |
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Health care debated BOSTON –The Joint Legislative Committee on Health Care Financing heard testimony throughout the day on several bills that seek to reduce the ranks of the uninsured and underinsured and to strengthen our health care delivery system. Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) is the sponsor of a few pieces of legislation being considered today by the committee including the one authored by Senate President Robert Travaglini (D-East Boston). In his statement to the committee, Senator Moore said “improving access to health care is an ongoing process that involves collaboration among government at all levels, the private sector, and the people of Massachusetts as a whole. Health care reform – expanded access to care, containing cost of health care and of health insurance, improving quality and efficiency, investing in technology, investing in education, empowering patients to be better health consumers, and training to ensure and adequate supply of doctors, nurses, technicians are among the steps that must be taken in the coming months.” Senator Moore co-sponsored Senate Bill 2042 – An Act Providing for Health Access, Affordability and Accountability, and its companion appropriation bill. They are designed to build toward full coverage through strategies that are affordable and sustainable for society without increasing taxes and by embracing a “free rider” charge to encourage all but the smallest businesses to help with the costs of their employees who must rely on the Uncompensated Care Fund for health access. These bills also seek to promote access to high quality care through investments in provider payments, quality measurement, infection control and prevention. Senator Moore is also the lead sponsor of Senate Bill No. 738 - The Health Access and Affordability Act championed by Health Care for All, which he says appears strong in its objectives to offer full health care coverage that is universal and continuous, and is affordable to individuals and families. The bills provide for significant reforms of the insurance market and fund the expanded coverage through a so-called ‘pay or play’ employer mandate and an increase in the cigarette tax. The bill also expands MassHealth eligibility and benefits to strengthen the health care safety net. The veteran lawmaker explained that Senate Bills 738, 2042 and 2043 have many good points in their favor and, he is confident that comprehensive health insurance reform is possible to achieve in this legislative session. “We know that, in order to have good health, one must have regular access to health care; and that can best be accomplished through private or public health insurance or a combination of the two,” added Senator Moore. “The uninsured may not all be sick, but their lack of access to regular care reduces their chances for good health since they are unable to have access to prevention and screening to help the keep from becoming seriously ill. Those of our fellow citizens who must rely on the emergency department for their health care only get help when they are sick. We know it’s not always the most cost-effective method for obtaining care.” After reviewing all the testimony from the public, consumer advocacy groups, industry leaders, and elected officials, the committee members will make modifications to the bill. More information on Senator Moore’s health care legislation can be obtained by visiting his web site at www.senatormoore.com or his health policy web site at www.caringcommonwealth.com. |
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