Liberal Agenda...Spring 1992 Page 2

THE TIME FOR A NATIONAL
HEALTH SYSTEM IS NOW
by Brian R. Ibbotson

This is a two-part series. This first part will address the problems with our current health care system, and lists the main points any solution must contain; in the next issue I will examine in detail the major proposals now under consideration.

On the floor of Congress, on the evening news, on the Op-Ed pages of our nation's newspapers, and in living rooms across America, there is a new and fervent attention on the health of the nation. 37 million Americans have no health insurance, a 24% increase over the past ten years; the number of uninsured children has increased 40% in the same period. As many as 50 million other Americans have inadequate protection. And despite the large amount of uncompensated care written off by the medical profession, access to care by the insured has become increasingly difficult.

Any health care "solution" will need to contain the following components:

* Universal Access. As insurers across the country apply for rate hike after rate hike, and continuously skim their pools for "bad risks," the number of uninsured Americans rises still higher. And those millions of Americans who have lost or will lose their jobs in this recession often lose not only income but benefits. These individuals and their families risk financial ruin if faced with a hospital stay or serious illness. Access must be available to all, regardless of risk or employment status.

* Long-Term Care. As our population balance shifts and grows older, the need for comprehensive long-term care, both in-home and in-nursing homes and community residences, grows greater.

* Primary Preventive Care. The prevention of illness, through increased primary preventative care and public health campaigns, is far more successful and far less costly, than the treatment of it. There must also be a corresponding emphasis on primary care in medical schools.

* Community Health Centers. One of the largest and most costly flaws in our current system is the use of hospital emergency rooms as primary care centers. Many of these patients are those who have no insurance and no steady medical relationship with a doctor. This treatment of non-trauma patients in the ER costs far more than necessary and often pushes the ER beyond capacity. An alternative system of community health centers is needed to provide primary care to patients in an appropriate setting.

* Cost Containment. Most importantly of all, any reform package must include non-flexible cost controls. A fixed budget must be established, and standardized service codes and claim forms must be used. By increasing utilization of primary care services, many illnesses will be treated or prevented before they require expensive hospital stays or treatments.

In responding to the crisis both Republicans and Democrats have introduced bills seeking to build on, reform, or replace our current delivery system. In the second part of this series I will discuss the specific details and mechanisms of the leading plans now before Congress.

What Can I Do in the Liberal Party?
by Carl F. Grillo
Executive Director

There are may opportunities for involvement in the Liberal Party, depending on your interest:

You can become involved on a local level by becoming a member of your County Committee. You can address local issues and speak out on behalf of the Liberal Party. Countywide meetings are held frequently; you may want to attend those meetings and participate in county affairs.

You can also provide vital help in campaigns. This year the party will be participating in the Presidential race, a United States Senate race, State Assembly and Senate races, Congressional campaigns and the election of members to our county committees. Interviews for State Assembly, State Senate and Congressional candidates will be held in April and May. Please come participate in the process.

You can help circulate petitions in your area to get Liberal Party candidates on the ballot: this process ensures a place for our point of view and yours on the ballot in November. The petitioning process will run this year from June 9th through the first week in July.

Just call and tell us how you would like to participate. We need your help; be a part of the process and volunteer. It's up to you.

COUNTYWATCH: NIAGARA
We're Back!

Yes! The Liberal Party is back to its rightful place on the political map of Niagara County. After three long years of non-existence, and through the diligent work of several individuals the once prominent party has been resurrected.

At the Re-Organizational Meeting the following people were elected as officers of the County Party:

Chairman JOHN F. FARRELL
Vice-Chairman BRIAN SHAFFER
Treasurer ELOISE KLOCH
Secretary EILEEN SLEDZINSKI

And four other members of the County Executive Committee:

PAMELA SCHUL LINDA FLESSEL
PATRICK BRICK CHRISTOPHER BRICK

As its first official fundraiser the new Niagara County Liberal Party held "An Evening with the Candidates." Approximately 300 people attended. This afforded an excellent opportunity for the newly established Liberal Party to meet with other registered Liberals, members of the County Committee and Liberal-endorsed candidates. The evening was a tremendous success and we would like to thank all those who attended and also the special individuals who worked tirelessly for the success of this event.

We have may new and exciting events planned in the future; you will be hearing a great deal about us in the future, and we are looking forward to meeting all of you.

Thanks,
NIAGARA COUNTY LIBERAL PARTY

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