South Carolina Health Care Resolution

The following resolution is being introduced in communities across South Carolina. Rep. Leon Howard intends to introduce it at the state level this session.

Whereas, South Carolina, like the rest of the United States, faces a health care crisis caused by increasing numbers of uninsured people, sky-rocketing costs and limited access, even for those who are insured, and unfair health disparities that hurt the well-being of our communities;

Whereas, from 2000 to 2006, family health insurance premiums for working people in South Carolina have increased by 81.7% while median wages have increased by only 8.2%;

Whereas, there are 670,000 uninsured South Carolina residents who can't afford any health coverage, nearly 100,000 children;

Whereas, 80% of non-elderly uninsured people in South Carolina work full or part time;
Whereas, the cost of caring for South Carolina's uninsured population will rise to more than $849 million by 2010;

Whereas, health care disparities result in unequal access and care for minorities in our communities so that common illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, influenza and cancers affect and kill minorities in the state at a higher rate than whites;

Therefore be it resolved that we, the citizens of South Carolina, call on our elected officials at all levels of government, and those seeking office, including all of the Presidential candidates, to work together with consumers, businesses, and health care providers to ensure:

•  Quality, affordable health care for everyone, including the self-employed, unemployed, small business owners, the uninsured and the underinsured, with a choice of doctors and plans and without gaps in access or coverage;

•  Fair financing in which employers, consumers, and the state, local and federal government share responsibility for health care costs;

•  Controlled costs by providing quality care that is cost efficient and medically effective; and

•  Preventative care as part of any benefit plan that promotes health and eliminates economic and racial disparities.