5 Priorities for Real Health Care Reform

If we’re going to fix our economy, we must fix America’s broken health care system. We cannot afford to wait. Crushing health care costs have made it impossible to strengthen our economy, while families and businesses struggle to make ends meet. Now is the time to guarantee everyone access to quality, affordable health care.

AFFORDABILITY: Quality, Affordable Coverage for AllEvery man, woman and child in America must be guaranteed access to quality, affordable coverage that will cover they need to stay healthy, provide adequate coverage when they need it, and protect them from skyrocketing costs.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY: Everyone Must Share ResponsibilityBusinesses, government and individuals must come together to share responsibility in solving America’s healthcare crisis. Building on the employer-based system will allow people to keep the health care they have, if they like it. Employers should offer and contribute to meaningful coverage for their employees or pay into a fund.

PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION: Increase Choice and CompetitionThe option of a public health insurance plan is necessary to ensure appropriate and adequate coverage,
to foster choice and competition, to bring down costs, and assure consumers have a stable marketplace where they can find quality, affordable coverage.

LONG TERM AND CHRONIC CARE: Improve Care for the Chronically IllDeveloping a better system to provide long term care and care for chronic conditions will lower costs, improve quality of care and life, and help people stay in their homes and communities.

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT: Invest in JobsReforming America’s broken health care system requires training and upgrading the health care workforce. Our new health care system must expand its reach and capacity to deliver cost-effective, preventive and primary care to our rapidly aging population, uninsured, and under-insured Americans who currently go without adequate health care.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.seiu.org/changethatworks/