Letters to the Editor

Out of Work Shouldn't Mean Out of Luck

September 27, 2001

Thousands of Americans lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, but the full ramifications of this national tragedy are now unfolding. The economic lull that has followed in the wake of the attack has caused many to lose their jobs. As unemployment projections rise into the hundreds of thousands, this new class of victims face an uncertain future.

Nearly 40 million Americans from working families already live sicker and die younger each year because they lack affordable health insurance. They are less likely to receive preventive services; less likely to be diagnosed during the early stages of cancer; and less likely to receive ongoing treatment for heart disease. Now, with the scores of Americans who find themselves without a job and benefits, the demand for affordable health care coverage has become critical.

The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has urged Congress to ease the financial burden of health care costs for the uninsured. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides workers with the option to continue their employer-provided health insurance coverage at their own expense. However, without employer subsidies, the total cost of health insurance rises dramatically, and families that are struggling to make ends meet will not be able to afford the added expense.

Additional funding of successful government insurance programs can extend coverage to low-income families. Currently, more than 35 million Americans receive benefits from Medicaid, and 3 million children are covered by the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). These programs could also provide transitional coverage to enrollees nearing financial independence, who will lose eligibility before they can fully afford private coverage.

Unless the government takes steps to reduce the dramatic rise in the numbers of the uninsured, the terrorists will have achieved another victory by robbing more Americans of their health care insurance.

Before the September attack, Congress had pledged $28 billion to help reduce the high numbers of uninsured. The shrinking budget surplus and a congressional agenda focused on military expenditures may mean an end to the money intended to help the uninsured. These funds must be recommitted to efforts that will protect the health of our country.

While the congressional agenda has shifted due to the attack, the main priority of our government is to protect the well-being of its citizens. As lack of access to health care becomes an increasing problem to more Americans, our government must not forget the victims who did not lose their lives, but lost their way of life.

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