PA ABC: More people with access to health insurance means better care for all of us
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people getting care in hospital emergency rooms are waiting longer than ever to see a doctor and get treatment. They wait nearly an hour on average nationwide, up from just 38 minutes a decade ago.
A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article outlined one of the major causes of delays
-- uninsured people who are forced to use the ER as the "family doctor." According to the Hospital and Healthsystems Association of PA, Pennsylvanians have fewer ERs than ever, and are using them more than ever.
Working people deserve access to health insurance and peace of mind.
It's been nearly six months since House Democrats led the fight to improve access to health insurance for working people AND employers by passing PA ABC. This plan would provide commonsense, affordable, preventative care to working people all over the state -- saving lives and saving money.
The problem is that the state Senate refuses to give the plan an up-or-down vote. They're pushing an idea that depends on health clinics that don't exist and forces doctors to volunteer their time without pay. In fact, their legislation doesn't get one single person access to health insurance. Not one.
Welcome to the ER, please take a number?
If you're worried that you might see a line around the block the next time you or a family member needs emergency care, why not ask your Senator why health insurance for working people isn't on the agenda?
