CWA Backs Comprehensive Health Care Reform Based on the Success of Medicare

For More Information: Jeff Miller or Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, jmiller@cwa-union.org and cjohnson@cwa-union.org

Washington, D.C -- The Communications Workers of America supports and commends Rep. Pete Stark for his efforts to address the failings of the nation's health care system by building on the success of the Medicare program and expanding health care coverage for all who need it.

"The AmeriCare Health Care Act is a good step toward the goal of major, comprehensive reform of the nation's health care system, reform that truly provides health care for all. CWA shares Rep. Stark's conviction that the Medicare program – one of our nation's most successful public policy initiatives – should be the basis of a health care system that will be universal, affordable and efficient," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

The Medicare program has guaranteed health care for older Americans for more than 40 years and CWA strongly supports the concept of "Medicare for All." The Stark bill would provide health care coverage for every American, effective 2010.

Effective health care reform will provide universal coverage, level the playing field among employers -- many of whom now contribute nothing to their employees' health care -- and be modeled on the Medicare program, which has a proven track record of administrative efficiencies and effectiveness, CWA said.

In the union's July convention policy statement, CWA pointed out that few employers or business groups seem serious about the campaign for real reform. "Rather than seeking a long-term solution to this decades-old problem, employers are cutting health benefits, raising worker contributions and eliminating health care plans. The current health care system is failing the needs of working families" and now is the time for action, CWA stressed.  

CWA also reaffirmed support for legislation introduced by Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. John Dingell – the Medicare for All Act -- also modeled on Medicare as a platform to extend health care coverage to all.