Health Care Overview

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES REPORT 103-317 OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND AND HUMAN RESOURCES, AND THE CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS REPORT "HEALTH CARE REFORM: OVERVIEW." THE REPORT STATES THAT THE U.S. IS THE ONLY MAJOR INDUSTRIAL NATION IN THE WORLD, APART FROM SOUTH AFRICA, THAT HAS NO PROGRAM TO GUARANTEE AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL ITS CITIZENS. THIRTY NINE MILLION AMERICANS LACK EVEN THE MOST BASIC COVERAGE. THOSE AMERICANS WHO DO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE TODAY CANNOT BE CERTAIN THAT IT WILL BE THERE TO PROTECT THEM TOMMOROW. OVER HALF OF ALL AMERICANS SAY THEY WORRY THAT THEY MIGHT LOSE THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE AT SOME POINT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE UNITED STATES SPENDS MORE ON HEALTH CARE ON A PER CAPITA AND AGGREGATE BASIS THAN ANY OTHER NATION. DISCUSSED IS THE LACK OF DEPENDABLE INSURANCE, THE DECLINE IN COVERAGE, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING UNINSURED.