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Black Youth Vote HealthCare Reform Letter to Speaker
By on 09/29/2009 @ 11:38 AM
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
H-232, US Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
September 23, 2009
Dear Madame Speaker:
We are writing on behalf of millions of Black youth across America who will be affected by health care reform. Comprehensive reform must take place and must address the many concerns of Black youth, one of the most underinsured and uninsured groups in the country according to the 2000 Census. According to additional information released, Black youth end up in emergency rooms and clinics at an alarming rate, essentially putting a heavier toll on the healthcare system and aids in rising costs. As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to craft health care legislation, we hope that you will consider the impact reform measures will have on Black youth.
Along with many other youth groups in our strong network, we applaud efforts to provide universal coverage, contain costs through caps on deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays, reform the insurance industry by ending discriminatory practices (especially pre-existing conditions and gender discrimination) and other abuses, provide better employer-based coverage, and focus on preventative care. There are a number of additional provisions that are critical to earning the support of younger Americans:
- Allow young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance policy until the age of 26. This provision is not currently included in the House bill and it must be added. This could provide coverage for one out of every three uninsured young Americans.
- For those who are not claimed as dependents, older than 25, or uncovered by their employers, there must be a competitive insurance exchange – including a public option – that provides quality coverage options and keeps down the cost of individual plans.
- Make coverage more affordable for young people by lowering the cap on the percentage of income individuals would pay for premiums. Affordability is the greatest barrier to obtaining coverage, and it must be addressed in a more robust way.
- End barriers to coverage for Black youth with pre-existing medical conditions.
Thank you Speaker Pelosi for your diligence and leadership on healthcare reform. Black youth are in desperate need of reform and we are counting on you to deliver on the promise of reform and a better future for Black youth in America.
Sincerely,
William Kellibrew IV
National Coordinator