Preparations for participation in a bold initiative to reform the American health care system were discussed at a June 15 Chapter-sponsored meeting held at the Hunter College School of Social Work. An audience of more than 100 heard from a panel of speakers and had an opportunity to discuss issues central to the health care reform debate. The gathering, which was co-sponsored by the Education Center for Community Organizing (ECCO) at the Hunter College School of Social Work, was held to provide information on the status of both the NASW and other single payer initiatives and the Clinton Health Task Force led by Hillary Rodham Clinton. The status reports were made as a prelude to consideration of strategies for action to support reform and ensure a full and fair debate in the Congress.
Steven Gorin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Chapter NASW and a member of the White House Professional Review Group presented a summary of the status of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Task Force report as it is expected to be presented to the President. Significantly, crucial decisions such as universal coverage for all Americans, the financing mechanism, the inclusion of the workforces of the largest corporations, mental health and long term care coverage and other vital components of the plan remain to be made by the President.
The plan will include provision for a federal framework for participation in health care by the states and the health care organizations including new mechanisms for negotiating costs through "Health Care Alliances." The states will have the responsibility for shaping health care resources within the federally determined guidelines for coverage, care standards and financing. There probably will be provision for training for primary care and NASW is working to ensure the inclusion of social work.
Nancy Lescavage, from the Office of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, presented an analysis of the forces arrayed to support or defeat the President's plan. Senator Inouye introduced NASW's single payer bill and is a vigorous supporter. Ms. Lescavage made it clear that although all recent polls show 70% of Americans favoring a single payer or Canadian style health care plan, the opposition from powerful interests is huge. Among friends of the single payer proposals are citizen advocacy groups, many unions, Physicians for Social Responsibility and other state action groups.
The large organizations of physicians such as the American Medical Association, the National ERISA Committee, the National Hospital Association and the pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers oppose the single payer concept. The insurance company associations form the largest and most determined opposition to the single payer plans which would specifically bar insurance company participation. In her analysis, Ms. Lescavage raised questions about the Clinton plan including whether it will be a managed competition plan at all. She wryly noted that whatever finally comes out will be called "managed competition."
The third speaker, Dr. John "Mike" Holloman, set the stage for the discussion of organizing activities. Dr. Holloman, a former President of the Health and Hospitals Corporation and Medical Director of the William F. Ryan Community Health Center, reminded the audience of the lack of recognition of health care as a right in our nation. Any health care reform must include universality, citizen input and governance, accessibility in neighborhoods, primary care and prevention as cornerstones, noted Dr. Holloman. He also praised the work of social workers and emphasized the need for their services in primary care.
Rob Fasano, a health care reform activist and social work organizer whose efforts span the New York State and City coalitions, then described activities planned to educate the public and to influence legislators. He urged all social workers to join in a campaign of letter writing and direct visits to elected officials. He also urged further efforts to obtain the commitments of Senators Moynihan and D'Amato for the single payer approach.
Gerald Beallor, Co-chair of the Health Care Policy Network, brought the meeting to a close with a summary of the present state of the issue and the need to recognize the power of the lobbies representing the health care industry.
"Unless our Representatives and Senators hear from us, often and in volume, they cannot be expected to know that there is a strong opposition to many features of the anticipated Clinton proposal and strong support for the single payer approach," he said. "Most important, we need to make it clear to the Congress that we want, need and must have health care reform which meets the principles of universality, full access for all, portability, low cost, high quality, and full coverage including mental health prescription drugs, long term care and care for the disabled."
The Health Care Policy Network urges members to get involved now. The Network will continue to inform Chapter membership of developments in health care reform. If you are not on the Network mailing list, leave your name, address and telephone number with the Chapter, (212) 668-0050 or with Network Co-chair Terry Mizrahi, (212) 452-7112.