R 302

R 302

2003 -- S 1105 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/01/03

 

S E N A T E  R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR ALL RHODE ISLAND RESIDENTS

     

     Introduced By: Senators Perry, Paiva-Weed, Roberts, Goodwin, and Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: May 28, 2003

 

 

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has the fourth highest health care spending in the

nation, 21.5 % above the United States average and costing an average of $4,497 per person; and

     WHEREAS, Despite significant progress, 9.2% of Rhode Island adults between 18 and

64 years old have no health insurance; and

     WHEREAS, Over 20% of Rhode Island adults between 18 and 64 years old in

households earning between $15,000 and $19,000 have no insurance; and

     WHEREAS, Over 30% of Rhode Island adults between 18 and 64 years old in

households earning between $20,000 and $34,999 have no insurance; and

     WHEREAS, Racial, income and ethnic disparities in access to care threaten Rhode Island

communities, particularly communities of color; and

     WHEREAS, Health care costs continue to increase, jeopardizing the health security of

working families and the economic and health security of small businesses; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby supports the goal that every person in Rhode Island, regardless of income, age,

employment or health status, has access to health care that:

     Is affordable to individuals and families, businesses and taxpayers and that

removes financial barriers to needed care;

     Is as cost efficient as possible spending the maximum amount of dollars on

direct patient care;

     Provides comprehensive benefits, including benefits for mental health and long-

term care services;

     Promotes prevention and early intervention;

     Includes parity for mental health and other services;

     Eliminates disparities in access to quality health care;

     Addresses the needs of people with special health care needs and underserved

populations in rural and urban areas;

     Promotes quality and better health outcomes;

     Addresses the need to have adequate numbers of qualified health care

caregivers, practitioners, and providers to guarantee timely access to quality

care;

     Provides adequate and timely payments in order to guarantee access to

providers;

     Fosters a strong network of health care facilities, including safety net providers;

     Ensures continuity of coverage and continuity of care;

     Maximizes consumer choice of health care providers and practitioners; and

     Is easy for patients, providers, and practitioners to use and reduces paperwork.

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LC03288/SUB A

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