OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2005--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) of Auto-Owners Insurance Group (Auto-Owners). Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) of Auto-Owners Life Insurance Company (Auto-Owners Life) (both of Lansing, MI). The rating outlook for all the ratings is stable.
The rating of Auto-Owners Insurance Group reflects its outstanding capitalization, favorable earnings trend and conservative operating philosophy. The group achieved strong operating results as a result of its well-established independent agency relationships, competitive expense structure, diversified product offerings and adherence to strict underwriting fundamentals. The rating also acknowledges Auto-Owners' strong market presence as one of the 20 largest property/casualty insurance organizations in the United States with more than $4.2 billion in net written premium as of year-end 2004.
The affirmation of Auto-Owners Life's rating is based on its continuing integral role as the life, health, and annuity marketing arm of higher-rated Auto-Owners, sustained net premiums growth, favorable statutory operating earnings and superior level of risk-adjusted capitalization.
The rating of Auto-Owners Insurance Group applies to the following five property/casualty members and is based on their consolidated financial results.
-- Auto-Owners Insurance Company
-- Home-Owners Insurance Company
-- Owners Insurance Company
-- Property-Owners Insurance Company
-- Southern-Owners Insurance Company
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
health insurance for the uninsured
Brittin Themann inherited the family trade, working at her father's 22-year-old antique-auto shop.
But inheriting the family tradition of going without health insurance "simply wasn't an option," says Themann who watched her now-deceased mother nearly go bankrupt paying $75,000 in medical bills for cancer treatments.
So Themann shopped eHealthInsurance.com and found a policy she can "barely" afford, but can't afford to do without. "It's better to have something than nothing," she says.
Her conclusion was the prevailing message Tuesday at Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s daylong health summit, organized to explore solutions to Utah's growing number of uninsured.
The state Health Department puts the uninsured population at 10.2 percent, or 250,000 Utahns. Other reports suggest it's as high as 18 percent.
It is a middle-of-the-road ranking and rising more slowly than in other states, but too high, said Health Director David Sundwall. Based on ideas floated at the summit, Sundwall says he will submit "a menu of [health care reform] options" to the governor for use in his 2006 budget. The goal is to reduce the number of individuals in Utah without insurance by at least 50 percent by 2010.
Sundwall offered no specifics, except to say proposals for moving toward government-subsidized health care are politically unfeasible.
"I don't rule out going to a single-payer system [or universal coverage] one day. But that won't come until we try to get a handle on more conventional methods," Sundwall said.
Those who are critical of funding health care in the same way states pay for public schools say it would stifle innovation.
Robert Moffit, health policy director at The Heritage Foundation, argued the best way to reach the uninsured is to empower them as consumers. His plan entails awarding tax credits to people who purchase health insurance on their own.
The federal government gives unlimited tax relief to people who get insurance through their employers, allowing premiums to be deducted before taxes are calculated, he noted.
But "if you shop for insurance on your own, you get zero tax breaks," says Moffit, stressing that the tax policy favors higher-income workers, restricts consumer choice and fuels higher spending.
Consumers who arrange their own health care are less likely to have skipped doctors visits, which translate to missed diagnoses and more heroic and expensive medical interventions, reasons Moffit.
They also can maintain coverage through job changes. "If you lose your job or move, you don't lose your life or car insurance," he said. Moffit's plan hinges on the assumption that the uninsured are not what he describes as "a Charles Dickens class of suffering souls," but a population of mostly working adults who either drift in and out of health plans as they change jobs, or work for small businesses that don't offer health plans.
That's true for Utah, where two-thirds come from working families, like the Themanns. Brittin Themann and her husband, Seth, both work full time for small businesses that don't offer employer-based coverage.
For the policy they found on-line, the Themanns pay a $300 monthly premium and have a $2,500 deductible with no co-payments and fairly comprehensive coverage. The policy paid off this April when Themann prematurely delivered a baby boy who spent a week in intensive care.
Moffit acknowledges there is little states can do to change federal tax policy. And critics of his plan note it doesn't address the needs of the poorest of the working poor. Two-thirds of Utah's uninsured earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $18,850 for a family of four.
The Themanns point out that if their premiums continue to rise, as they have in the past year, they will be priced out.
"That's what is bad about individual policies. If you're in a group policy, the premium hikes are spread out and everyone shares the pain," says Brittin Themann.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control analyzed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Utah also has the second-highest rate of uninsured Latinos, at 54.7 percent.
To lower the cost for everyone, Moffit suggests reproducing the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan - which allows federal workers to pick coverage from a pool of competing health plans - at the state level.
State employees and Medicaid recipients could jump-start the pool, which would be expanded to include private employers. Such a pool would cut administrative costs.
The uninsured share another characteristic in that they're young and relatively healthy, Moffit says. "You want them in the pool because they will drive claims costs down."
But inheriting the family tradition of going without health insurance "simply wasn't an option," says Themann who watched her now-deceased mother nearly go bankrupt paying $75,000 in medical bills for cancer treatments.
So Themann shopped eHealthInsurance.com and found a policy she can "barely" afford, but can't afford to do without. "It's better to have something than nothing," she says.
Her conclusion was the prevailing message Tuesday at Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s daylong health summit, organized to explore solutions to Utah's growing number of uninsured.
The state Health Department puts the uninsured population at 10.2 percent, or 250,000 Utahns. Other reports suggest it's as high as 18 percent.
It is a middle-of-the-road ranking and rising more slowly than in other states, but too high, said Health Director David Sundwall. Based on ideas floated at the summit, Sundwall says he will submit "a menu of [health care reform] options" to the governor for use in his 2006 budget. The goal is to reduce the number of individuals in Utah without insurance by at least 50 percent by 2010.
Sundwall offered no specifics, except to say proposals for moving toward government-subsidized health care are politically unfeasible.
"I don't rule out going to a single-payer system [or universal coverage] one day. But that won't come until we try to get a handle on more conventional methods," Sundwall said.
Those who are critical of funding health care in the same way states pay for public schools say it would stifle innovation.
Robert Moffit, health policy director at The Heritage Foundation, argued the best way to reach the uninsured is to empower them as consumers. His plan entails awarding tax credits to people who purchase health insurance on their own.
The federal government gives unlimited tax relief to people who get insurance through their employers, allowing premiums to be deducted before taxes are calculated, he noted.
But "if you shop for insurance on your own, you get zero tax breaks," says Moffit, stressing that the tax policy favors higher-income workers, restricts consumer choice and fuels higher spending.
Consumers who arrange their own health care are less likely to have skipped doctors visits, which translate to missed diagnoses and more heroic and expensive medical interventions, reasons Moffit.
They also can maintain coverage through job changes. "If you lose your job or move, you don't lose your life or car insurance," he said. Moffit's plan hinges on the assumption that the uninsured are not what he describes as "a Charles Dickens class of suffering souls," but a population of mostly working adults who either drift in and out of health plans as they change jobs, or work for small businesses that don't offer health plans.
That's true for Utah, where two-thirds come from working families, like the Themanns. Brittin Themann and her husband, Seth, both work full time for small businesses that don't offer employer-based coverage.
For the policy they found on-line, the Themanns pay a $300 monthly premium and have a $2,500 deductible with no co-payments and fairly comprehensive coverage. The policy paid off this April when Themann prematurely delivered a baby boy who spent a week in intensive care.
Moffit acknowledges there is little states can do to change federal tax policy. And critics of his plan note it doesn't address the needs of the poorest of the working poor. Two-thirds of Utah's uninsured earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $18,850 for a family of four.
The Themanns point out that if their premiums continue to rise, as they have in the past year, they will be priced out.
"That's what is bad about individual policies. If you're in a group policy, the premium hikes are spread out and everyone shares the pain," says Brittin Themann.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control analyzed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Utah also has the second-highest rate of uninsured Latinos, at 54.7 percent.
To lower the cost for everyone, Moffit suggests reproducing the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan - which allows federal workers to pick coverage from a pool of competing health plans - at the state level.
State employees and Medicaid recipients could jump-start the pool, which would be expanded to include private employers. Such a pool would cut administrative costs.
The uninsured share another characteristic in that they're young and relatively healthy, Moffit says. "You want them in the pool because they will drive claims costs down."
Tuesday, May 3, 2005
National Health Insurance Marketplace Enters the Blogosphere
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- eHealthInsurance, the nation's leading source for individual and family health insurance today announced its sponsorship of a new Web log, or Blog, www.HealthyConcerns.com, launched by founder and blogger Elisa Camahort.
HealthyConcerns.com will provide a community-oriented place for people to share and learn about the potential pitfalls and ways to work within the complex health insurance market. It will feature insight and comments based on personal experiences from a mix of bloggers and consumers, as well as industry experts.
The health insurance market is complicated by the interplay between independent state legislation, federal laws and a large number of disparate health insurance companies with unique business practices. A forum that promotes open dialogue is a natural solution for consumers to help them navigate to find affordable, quality health insurance.
"eHealthInsurance took the lead in the health insurance e-commerce revolution by bringing the availability and affordability of health insurance into view for consumers," said Gary Lauer, CEO of eHealthInsurance. "Now eHealthInsurance is working with HealthyConcerns.com to be the first company in the industry to bring greater transparency by sponsoring a forum where consumers -- especially the uninsured -- can learn and engage in open conversations about affordable health insurance options."
According to the California Healthcare Foundation,(1) health insurance is the #1 concern of consumers, and the goal of this sponsorship is to educate them about the accessibility and affordability of health insurance coverage. Blogs have been reported to be most widely read by people under the age of 40. The largest segment of the uninsured is under 35 years of age(2).
HealthyConcerns.com is being written and managed by experienced blogger Elisa Camahort, who herself has struggled with getting health insurance. Ms. Camahort authors several other blogs and owns a consulting company, Worker Bees.
"I decided to launch HealthyConcerns.com after I started talking to people about health insurance when I was looking to get some for myself, and realized that there are a lot of people out there who need a place to learn from others, vent their frustrations, and get some valid information about how the health insurance industry works," said Camahort. "When eHealthInsurance shared their interest in reaching out to consumers through blogs, it was a natural fit for them to sponsor HealthyConcerns.com, as they are committed to educating people and encouraging open dialogue on this topic."
HealthyConcerns.com will provide a community-oriented place for people to share and learn about the potential pitfalls and ways to work within the complex health insurance market. It will feature insight and comments based on personal experiences from a mix of bloggers and consumers, as well as industry experts.
The health insurance market is complicated by the interplay between independent state legislation, federal laws and a large number of disparate health insurance companies with unique business practices. A forum that promotes open dialogue is a natural solution for consumers to help them navigate to find affordable, quality health insurance.
"eHealthInsurance took the lead in the health insurance e-commerce revolution by bringing the availability and affordability of health insurance into view for consumers," said Gary Lauer, CEO of eHealthInsurance. "Now eHealthInsurance is working with HealthyConcerns.com to be the first company in the industry to bring greater transparency by sponsoring a forum where consumers -- especially the uninsured -- can learn and engage in open conversations about affordable health insurance options."
According to the California Healthcare Foundation,(1) health insurance is the #1 concern of consumers, and the goal of this sponsorship is to educate them about the accessibility and affordability of health insurance coverage. Blogs have been reported to be most widely read by people under the age of 40. The largest segment of the uninsured is under 35 years of age(2).
HealthyConcerns.com is being written and managed by experienced blogger Elisa Camahort, who herself has struggled with getting health insurance. Ms. Camahort authors several other blogs and owns a consulting company, Worker Bees.
"I decided to launch HealthyConcerns.com after I started talking to people about health insurance when I was looking to get some for myself, and realized that there are a lot of people out there who need a place to learn from others, vent their frustrations, and get some valid information about how the health insurance industry works," said Camahort. "When eHealthInsurance shared their interest in reaching out to consumers through blogs, it was a natural fit for them to sponsor HealthyConcerns.com, as they are committed to educating people and encouraging open dialogue on this topic."
Health Insurance issue only getting worse
Forty-five million Americans have no health insurance coverage; 45 million — a number equal to the combined population of 24 states. Nearly 20 percent are children.
The rapidly growing number of uninsured is one of America's greatest challenges. It impacts our entire economy and the future of our aging and growing nation.
This week, declared as Cover the Uninsured Week, is designed to provide national awareness and to help implore our nation's leaders to assure that all Americans have access to affordable and reliable health care coverage.
Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., MBA, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, organizer of Cover the Uninsured Week, states, "Individuals and families without coverage face the challenge of finding reliable, affordable, quality health care. Many go without annual check-ups, recommended health screenings, filling needed prescriptions and seeing specialists. This is simply unacceptable and we must keep the pressure up until the problem is solved."
The cost of health care and health insurance is a major concern for patients, employers and governments around the country.
WORSE IN SW Fla.
Health insurance premiums are escalating annually in excess of general inflation by five or six times. Thus, fewer individuals and families can afford to purchase coverage and fewer small businesses are able to provide coverage for their employees. Eight out of 10 people who are uninsured are in working families. Employees who still have coverage typically contribute more but have narrower benefits.
Meanwhile, state governments and the federal government are seeking ways to reduce Medicaid expenditures for those who do qualify, thereby increasing the spiral of uninsured and underinsured Americans.
This national trend is even more predominant in Florida and worse yet in Southwest Florida. Sadly, our region is now second only to Miami-Dade County in the percentage of uninsured. One-fourth of our residents under the age of 65 have no health insurance and do not qualify for any programs such as Medicaid.
Over the past 20 years, a perception existed that the more we increase competition in health care the more we will drive down the cost and improve efficiency. Unfortunately, while competition has many valuable effects, increasing competition has only widened the gap of the haves and have nots.
ACT NOW
Until this nation decides to cover the uninsured, the inflationary spiral will only escalate. Higher charges by providers of care to insurance carriers create higher premiums. More employers reduce coverage and shift costs to employees. Then more employees choose less or no coverage. The spiral continues. Solutions will take leadership at the national level and systemic redesign of the financing and delivery of health care for this nation.
In the interim, we should pursue:
• Quality, operations and safety improvement leadership by all health care providers.
• Many local health care providers have agreed to work with the Florida Legislature and Agency for Healthcare on innovative programs to better coordinate care for the uninsured.
• Tax incentives that increase health coverage.
• Government policies that assure health care providers and health insurers cannot skim only the most profitable patients and services while leaving the least profitable to underfunded providers or depend on emergency services for general health care.
• Encourage, actually implore, a national public policy debate as to the most efficient way to cover the uninsured.
The closer we get to universal coverage the more competitive market reforms will have a chance to succeed.
— Jim Nathan is president of Lee Memorial Health System.
The rapidly growing number of uninsured is one of America's greatest challenges. It impacts our entire economy and the future of our aging and growing nation.
This week, declared as Cover the Uninsured Week, is designed to provide national awareness and to help implore our nation's leaders to assure that all Americans have access to affordable and reliable health care coverage.
Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., MBA, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, organizer of Cover the Uninsured Week, states, "Individuals and families without coverage face the challenge of finding reliable, affordable, quality health care. Many go without annual check-ups, recommended health screenings, filling needed prescriptions and seeing specialists. This is simply unacceptable and we must keep the pressure up until the problem is solved."
The cost of health care and health insurance is a major concern for patients, employers and governments around the country.
WORSE IN SW Fla.
Health insurance premiums are escalating annually in excess of general inflation by five or six times. Thus, fewer individuals and families can afford to purchase coverage and fewer small businesses are able to provide coverage for their employees. Eight out of 10 people who are uninsured are in working families. Employees who still have coverage typically contribute more but have narrower benefits.
Meanwhile, state governments and the federal government are seeking ways to reduce Medicaid expenditures for those who do qualify, thereby increasing the spiral of uninsured and underinsured Americans.
This national trend is even more predominant in Florida and worse yet in Southwest Florida. Sadly, our region is now second only to Miami-Dade County in the percentage of uninsured. One-fourth of our residents under the age of 65 have no health insurance and do not qualify for any programs such as Medicaid.
Over the past 20 years, a perception existed that the more we increase competition in health care the more we will drive down the cost and improve efficiency. Unfortunately, while competition has many valuable effects, increasing competition has only widened the gap of the haves and have nots.
ACT NOW
Until this nation decides to cover the uninsured, the inflationary spiral will only escalate. Higher charges by providers of care to insurance carriers create higher premiums. More employers reduce coverage and shift costs to employees. Then more employees choose less or no coverage. The spiral continues. Solutions will take leadership at the national level and systemic redesign of the financing and delivery of health care for this nation.
In the interim, we should pursue:
• Quality, operations and safety improvement leadership by all health care providers.
• Many local health care providers have agreed to work with the Florida Legislature and Agency for Healthcare on innovative programs to better coordinate care for the uninsured.
• Tax incentives that increase health coverage.
• Government policies that assure health care providers and health insurers cannot skim only the most profitable patients and services while leaving the least profitable to underfunded providers or depend on emergency services for general health care.
• Encourage, actually implore, a national public policy debate as to the most efficient way to cover the uninsured.
The closer we get to universal coverage the more competitive market reforms will have a chance to succeed.
— Jim Nathan is president of Lee Memorial Health System.
Allstate to lower auto insurance rates
BY HENRY GILGOFF
STAFF WRITER
May 2, 2005
Allstate Insurance Co., New York's biggest auto insurer, will cut premiums by a modest statewide average of 3 percent, following similar moves by major competitors.
The company's agreement with state regulators is expected to be announced today.
"The average rate reduction constitutes anywhere from a $50 to $350 annual savings in the first full year of the new rate structure," said Howard Mills, New York's acting superintendent of insurance.
In the city and on Long Island combined, Allstate Insurance and Allstate Indemnity, a small affiliate for higher-risk drivers, cover about one of every five cars, said Allstate spokesman Manuel Goncalves.
Eight other groups or companies have agreed to price reductions this year, and more are expected to follow. Fewer accidents, a fight against fraud and increases in premiums in recent years are factors that helped boost industry profits.
The high cost of auto insurance has been a financially painful thorn for many car owners, particularly in the metropolitan area, and with average decreases, the impact on individuals can vary. Still, Mills argued that any cut in the cost of auto insurance is significant, particularly with an insurer that affects so many New Yorkers.
The two Allstate companies, he said, have about 1.5 million policyholders in New York. Of those, 97 percent are covered by Allstate Insurance Co., according to Mills' staff. The remainder are insured by Allstate Indemnity, which has agreed to a 5 percent average premium cut. The decreases will save Allstate's New York policyholders an estimated $50 million this year, according to the Insurance Department.
Average premium reductions by Allstate and others coincide with a markedly improved financial condition of the industry. With that in mind, the Insurance Department in November began asking the biggest companies to review their pricing plans.
The previous change in Allstate Insurance Co.'s auto premiums pushed up rates by an average 7.8 percent in New York and was implemented in early 2003. The upcoming reductions for the two Allstate companies will take effect July 4 for new customers and Aug. 13 for renewals.
STAFF WRITER
May 2, 2005
Allstate Insurance Co., New York's biggest auto insurer, will cut premiums by a modest statewide average of 3 percent, following similar moves by major competitors.
The company's agreement with state regulators is expected to be announced today.
"The average rate reduction constitutes anywhere from a $50 to $350 annual savings in the first full year of the new rate structure," said Howard Mills, New York's acting superintendent of insurance.
In the city and on Long Island combined, Allstate Insurance and Allstate Indemnity, a small affiliate for higher-risk drivers, cover about one of every five cars, said Allstate spokesman Manuel Goncalves.
Eight other groups or companies have agreed to price reductions this year, and more are expected to follow. Fewer accidents, a fight against fraud and increases in premiums in recent years are factors that helped boost industry profits.
The high cost of auto insurance has been a financially painful thorn for many car owners, particularly in the metropolitan area, and with average decreases, the impact on individuals can vary. Still, Mills argued that any cut in the cost of auto insurance is significant, particularly with an insurer that affects so many New Yorkers.
The two Allstate companies, he said, have about 1.5 million policyholders in New York. Of those, 97 percent are covered by Allstate Insurance Co., according to Mills' staff. The remainder are insured by Allstate Indemnity, which has agreed to a 5 percent average premium cut. The decreases will save Allstate's New York policyholders an estimated $50 million this year, according to the Insurance Department.
Average premium reductions by Allstate and others coincide with a markedly improved financial condition of the industry. With that in mind, the Insurance Department in November began asking the biggest companies to review their pricing plans.
The previous change in Allstate Insurance Co.'s auto premiums pushed up rates by an average 7.8 percent in New York and was implemented in early 2003. The upcoming reductions for the two Allstate companies will take effect July 4 for new customers and Aug. 13 for renewals.
Monday, May 2, 2005
Health Insurance Rally
By Michele Munz
Of the Post-Dispatch
05/01/2005
Kitty Loepker stood at a rally Sunday for those lacking medical insurance and held a sign with a picture of her smiling brother in a purple sweat suit. It read: "My brother deserved health care too."
Dale Loepker, 40, stayed away from doctors because he didn't have health insurance. He had white, swollen hands and feet for a week before finally going into the emergency room.
His blood pressure had dropped drastically; he was stabilized and sent home only to be back in two days later with severe abdominal pain, his sister says. A blood test showed he had low potassium.
Again, he was given a prescription and sent home
Of the Post-Dispatch
05/01/2005
Kitty Loepker stood at a rally Sunday for those lacking medical insurance and held a sign with a picture of her smiling brother in a purple sweat suit. It read: "My brother deserved health care too."
Dale Loepker, 40, stayed away from doctors because he didn't have health insurance. He had white, swollen hands and feet for a week before finally going into the emergency room.
His blood pressure had dropped drastically; he was stabilized and sent home only to be back in two days later with severe abdominal pain, his sister says. A blood test showed he had low potassium.
Again, he was given a prescription and sent home
Washington health insurance for every child
By John Kerry
Special to The Times
American families put kids first every day, working hard to give their children opportunities they never had. Washington, D.C., however, turns a blind eye as 11 million children in America — 161,650 in Washington state alone — go without health insurance.
As I traveled the country last year, I had the special privilege of meeting great families every day — good people who love their communities, love our country and are determined to build a better life for their kids. Their stories are the driving force behind my Kids First plan.
Since I introduced my bill in January, more than 500,000 people have signed up to be citizen co-sponsors and thousands more have called in to give their personal testimony about why insuring every child is so important.
A father from Sumas said, "I come from a small community... and there (are) many families up there that go to school, and their kids don't have health insurance, and they miss many days of school, and then they're held back grades, and then they feel that since they're held back they shouldn't continue, and they end up going out and working on these farms for very little money, and they don't live up to the full American vision of success."
It's no wonder people are so upset about the government's indifference on children's health care. Nineteen percent of Washington state 2-year-olds are not immunized. One-third of kids with asthma suffer without the medication they need. In the wealthiest nation on the face of the Earth, that simply shouldn't be the case.
Insuring every child won't require big tax hikes or new bureaucracy. In fact, we can provide health-insurance coverage for every kid in America if we simply roll back the president's tax cut for individuals making over $300,000 a year. It's hardly a tough choice.
The benefits to all of us would be numerous. It would reduce avoidable hospitalizations by an estimated 22 percent. Children enrolled in public health-insurance programs rate 68 percent better in measures of school performance than those without coverage. And the long-term cost savings, not only in health care, but in education, job training and reduced stress on our families, are incalculable.
Over the course of the campaign, I fought to expand coverage and lower premiums for every single American. Sadly, Washington, D.C., is unwilling to tackle comprehensive health-care reform. But surely we can begin to make progress where the cost of action is low and the cost of continued inaction is so very high: our children.
The government can't raise people's kids; nor should it. But we can re-establish a national responsibility for children's health care by building a strong partnership with the states, which are responsible for running the state health-care systems, and with parents, who are responsible for raising healthy kids.
Instead of dumping the problem on cash-strapped states, my proposal offers states a new bargain: The national government will give states immediate fiscal relief in exchange for a commitment not only to cover all kids, but to make sure they get the coverage they're eligible for. That means cutting the current red tape that results in the huge gap between the kids who are eligible and those who actually get covered. Under my plan, Washington state will save almost $163 million per year.
We need a new bargain with parents as well. We should help them buy employer-sponsored coverage where it's available. And we will allow parents who don't normally qualify for public programs to buy coverage for their children at cost. Parents' side of the bargain is to take advantage of these opportunities to get their kids covered. If they don't, they will not be able to claim the child-tax credit on their federal tax returns.
If we believe drivers have a responsibility to buy car insurance, surely we believe parents have a responsibility to get health insurance for their kids. In an era when politicians like to use the word "values," insuring kids is a test of who just talks about family values and who really values families.
I am proud that Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Congressman Jim McDermott have co-sponsored Kids First, and we will work to make it the law of the land. It's long since time we give every child a healthy start in life. We don't need to expand government; we simply need to fulfill commitments we have already made. We don't need the government to do more than it should; we simply ask the government to do its fair share in partnership with the states and with parents.
When it comes to getting kids health-care coverage, it's a promise we can afford to keep — and one we cannot afford to break.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, is scheduled to be in Seattle today for a discussion of his Kids First plan. The event is at 9:30 a.m. in Town Hall.
Special to The Times
American families put kids first every day, working hard to give their children opportunities they never had. Washington, D.C., however, turns a blind eye as 11 million children in America — 161,650 in Washington state alone — go without health insurance.
As I traveled the country last year, I had the special privilege of meeting great families every day — good people who love their communities, love our country and are determined to build a better life for their kids. Their stories are the driving force behind my Kids First plan.
Since I introduced my bill in January, more than 500,000 people have signed up to be citizen co-sponsors and thousands more have called in to give their personal testimony about why insuring every child is so important.
A father from Sumas said, "I come from a small community... and there (are) many families up there that go to school, and their kids don't have health insurance, and they miss many days of school, and then they're held back grades, and then they feel that since they're held back they shouldn't continue, and they end up going out and working on these farms for very little money, and they don't live up to the full American vision of success."
It's no wonder people are so upset about the government's indifference on children's health care. Nineteen percent of Washington state 2-year-olds are not immunized. One-third of kids with asthma suffer without the medication they need. In the wealthiest nation on the face of the Earth, that simply shouldn't be the case.
Insuring every child won't require big tax hikes or new bureaucracy. In fact, we can provide health-insurance coverage for every kid in America if we simply roll back the president's tax cut for individuals making over $300,000 a year. It's hardly a tough choice.
The benefits to all of us would be numerous. It would reduce avoidable hospitalizations by an estimated 22 percent. Children enrolled in public health-insurance programs rate 68 percent better in measures of school performance than those without coverage. And the long-term cost savings, not only in health care, but in education, job training and reduced stress on our families, are incalculable.
Over the course of the campaign, I fought to expand coverage and lower premiums for every single American. Sadly, Washington, D.C., is unwilling to tackle comprehensive health-care reform. But surely we can begin to make progress where the cost of action is low and the cost of continued inaction is so very high: our children.
The government can't raise people's kids; nor should it. But we can re-establish a national responsibility for children's health care by building a strong partnership with the states, which are responsible for running the state health-care systems, and with parents, who are responsible for raising healthy kids.
Instead of dumping the problem on cash-strapped states, my proposal offers states a new bargain: The national government will give states immediate fiscal relief in exchange for a commitment not only to cover all kids, but to make sure they get the coverage they're eligible for. That means cutting the current red tape that results in the huge gap between the kids who are eligible and those who actually get covered. Under my plan, Washington state will save almost $163 million per year.
We need a new bargain with parents as well. We should help them buy employer-sponsored coverage where it's available. And we will allow parents who don't normally qualify for public programs to buy coverage for their children at cost. Parents' side of the bargain is to take advantage of these opportunities to get their kids covered. If they don't, they will not be able to claim the child-tax credit on their federal tax returns.
If we believe drivers have a responsibility to buy car insurance, surely we believe parents have a responsibility to get health insurance for their kids. In an era when politicians like to use the word "values," insuring kids is a test of who just talks about family values and who really values families.
I am proud that Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Congressman Jim McDermott have co-sponsored Kids First, and we will work to make it the law of the land. It's long since time we give every child a healthy start in life. We don't need to expand government; we simply need to fulfill commitments we have already made. We don't need the government to do more than it should; we simply ask the government to do its fair share in partnership with the states and with parents.
When it comes to getting kids health-care coverage, it's a promise we can afford to keep — and one we cannot afford to break.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, is scheduled to be in Seattle today for a discussion of his Kids First plan. The event is at 9:30 a.m. in Town Hall.
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