I have just returned from the Families USA meeting in Washington, D.C., where advocates, legislative leaders, and the administration agree that health reform is urgent and imminent.  Passing a bill quickly in Congress must be a priority!  Such a bill must include coverage for everyone through a system with public and private options, and it must protect Medicaid in dealing with the ill and vulnerable, as well as addressing quality, affordability and prevention. 

As advocates for women, children and families, we must lend our voices to the debate and contribute to the momentum. 

·         Most folks know that we need to eliminate insurance discrimination that prevents those with pre-existing conditions from purchasing insurance.  But few realize this includes pregnancy, which is surprisingly regarded as a pre-existing condition under most policies, and in many states, it is still legal to offer health care plans that exclude maternity coverage!

·         Most people are now aware that excessive medical costs are the number one cause of personal bankruptcies.  Fewer are aware of the multiple costs to families with children with special needs. 

We know a lot and can make it very personal.  We can make sure that public health services are considered as well as personal health services. 

I urge you all to visit your Congressional representatives and urge them to act quickly on health care, as part of the economic crisis.  In light of the recent economic bailout, the cost – in the billions – now seems quite modest!  Those of you who are experts in health reform proposals should offer your guidance to legislative committees who are busy drafting proposals.  Offer your ideas at town meetings, on Web sites and on talk shows.  Most of us who have been working on this issue for years will be disappointed that the reform will not be as sweeping and sensible as we would like.  While some of us are contemplating the details of employer mandates, ERISA claims, and single payer opportunities, we were urged not to get bogged down in the details, which can be worked out over time.  Keep the message simple – AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!  Dr. Bob Ross from the California Endowment reminded us:  how many of us thought we would see an African-American president before we would see health reform?  We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

The MCH Section will be submitting our Child Health Policy paper to the administration and hearing from legislative staff from APHA and AMCHP at our mid-year meeting.  Please join us.

JoAnne Fischer, MCH Section Chair