The UNAC/UHCP Perspective
The Senate Finance Committee approved its health bill in October with a 14-9 vote, taking our country one step closer to correcting the dysfunction in our current health care system.
Several components to the final health care reform legislation are being strongly debated. Of these, three elements UNAC/UHCP believes are fundamental to curing our dysfunctional system are the inclusion of a public health insurance plan option, an employer mandate and no taxation of health care benefits.
A public health insurance option will create competition for the private, for profit insurance companies, which would result in fairer and more appropriate medical coverage rates. Having an employer mandate would prevent employers from dropping employee health coverage they are currently providing for or contributing to. Finally, health benefits should not be taxed because many employees have waived wage increases and additional benefits to ensure better health coverage for themselves and their families. In essence, taxing health benefits would equate to double billing.
The US outspends all other industrial nations for our health care, yet ranks far below them in both outcomes and quality of health care. We have a chance to improve our system, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of life for all of us.
At 2:45AM Friday, May 11, UNAC/UHCP and the Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country. Details to come.
Beverly RNs voted by 96% to approve a first contract on May 2, 2012 after a year long battle to secure wage increases, grievance and arbitration, and a voice in patient care.
“SB 1246 will help Registered Nurses provide safe patient care without worrying about hospitals cutting corners and jeopardizing the health of a patient,” said Barbara Blake, RN, State Secretary/Treasurer of UNAC/UHCP.
