Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

The growing number of medically uninsured in the State of Missouri is not a partisan issue. When people find themselves without insurance and facing major illness, they lose their savings, they lose their homes, and in some cases they lose their lives. Two years ago, 729,000 Missourians had no health insurance. In today's economic conditions, 210 Missourians lose their health insurance every day. Some because they have lost their employment, and some because employers can no longer afford to pay the rapidly increasing premiums. This is an inexcusable situation for the richest country on the planet.

Restore services to those Missourians left out in 2005.

This would once again provide benefits for elderly and disabled Missourians and low-income parents who were made ineligible by the budget cuts of 2005. This would also re-establish the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program.

Provide health care for all children.

In 2008, one out of every 11 children in this state had no health coverage. We cannot afford to risk the future health and safety of any child in Missouri. Health care should be provided to any child in a household where the parent or guardian is unable to provide medical insurance for that child.

Promote health care cooperatives.

Washington, Oregon, and Wisconsin all currently have large and effective functioning cooperatives. Cooperatives are non-profit entities which allow small businesses, Labor Organizations, individuals, and self-employed to form larger groups which purchase health services in advance from existing institutions. Each member pays the same rate and medical services are provided at set negotiated rates for the cooperatives. The state could be a member participant in this program providing health care for state employees and the uninsured.

Establish state provided minimum health care for those without access to services.
The reality is that health is a factor in productivity, learning, and community success. Even in a well-regulated competitive system there are individuals who do not have the means to provide themselves with medical insurance. There are many approaches to ensuring that these Missourians have access to basic medical treatment, but there is simply no rational or humane argument for ignoring the sick and dying.

Improvement to Education.

Education is the foundation of a successful community. Public education in Missouri is crucial to improving our economy and providing a prosperous future for our children. All of our schools must meet safe work place standards and must be updated with 21st century energy saving technology. Our classrooms must have the tools they need to educate our children.

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