by Jerry Robbins MD, HCAO Newport
In Friday's March 28 edition of the News Times there were two letters to the editor about the Affordable Care Act. One author addressed the issue of enrollment snafus, and the other wrote about cost issues. I believe that there is an important issue not addressed by either; health care is a "right not a privilege." Comprehensive health care for all is the right goal, in the same way that we require public school and auto insurance. From my perspective, I want everyone to have 1) their emergencies covered, 2)access to primary care so that small symptoms do not go unattended until they turn into big problems, 3) the ability to manage their chronic diseases (eg diabetes, bipolar, asthma), and 4) access to preventive care.
The sign-up deadline for CoverOregon has been extended to April 30, 2014. Everyone should have health care insurance.
Even better than health insurance through private insurance companies, we should have the Health Care for All-Oregon plan. By this I mean a Universal, Publicly Funded, Participatory, Transparent, and Accountable health care system that is a Public Entity and a Public Good.