Upcoming Statewide Healthcare Conference on October 18

PUSH is a key participant in the planning for what is likely to be an extraordinary gathering of state and national experts and citizens from across Pennsylvania. The purpose of the state conference is to grapple with a crisis in healthcare of unprecedented proportions.

Tens of millions of Americans are under-insured. 45 million have no health insurance. Healthcare costs have increased by about 50% over the past four years.  Small and large businesses and non-profits face exploding premiums. This results in cutbacks in coverage for employees and affects hiring decisions.  President Bush has just announced the largest increase in Medicare premiums in the history of the program.

Something has to give. While the experts have much to tell us about various aspects of the problem, the dialogue with those who are most affected will be crucial to the development of strategies to adequately address the problem.

The conference has two immediate goals: to develop a statewide national healthcare coalition and to adopt a bill to cover all Pennsylvanians similar to the legislation that has been introduced in over a dozen other states.

It could also help build the momentum to place universal health care in the U.S. on the agenda. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation in the world that lacks a system of national health care.

It is important to register early for the conference. Registration is $25. The conference schedule can be found at: www.geocities.com/molly_rush. You may also register at: www.123signup.com/register?id=fgrfh. 

- Molly Rush