Senate Leadership
April 11, 2007
Williams Praises Windham Hospital’s Commitment to Universal Health Care
The Board of Directors of Windham Community Memorial Hospital recently adopted a resolution in support of a system of universal health care for the state of Connecticut, a measure that state Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) today loudly applauded.
The resolution recognizes the health care crisis facing Connecticut's residents, hospitals, and health care providers, and endorses the principles and concepts of universal health care. The resolution also enables an urge to-action for government leadership at all levels, health care organizations, advocates, and the public to create a system that "provides all residents of a geographic or political entity with access to health care and provides coverage to all citizens regardless of ability to pay."
"Connecticut spends about $22 billion annually on health care and we have more than 350,000 residents without health insurance-realities that Windham Hospital recognizes as in desperate need of change," said Senator Williams, a leading supporter of a comprehensive plan for the state to provide access to quality, affordable health care to residents in need. "Windham Hospital has joined the chorus of supporters demanding real results that will have real impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands in this state. Such support is invaluable as we work to create a system of affordable access a reality in Connecticut, and I thank the board for their resolution in favor of change."
In January, Senator Williams unveiled his HealthFirst initiative, a proposal that would provide coverage to more than 140,000 uninsured residents in its first year and that would move Connecticut toward adopting a Medicare-for all system in the state.
Among other measures, the HealthFirst plan expands state programs such as Medicaid, HUSKY for parents and children, and State-Administered General Assistance so that more people are eligible for health insurance. It also expands access for those already qualified for these programs by substantially increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for doctors, hospitals, dentists, and other health care providers.
"In the absence of national leadership we must move forward in Connecticut to resolve the obstacles and issues, including federal approvals and waivers," Senator Williams added. "This will take time, but we must begin now. We can take immediate steps to insure up to 40 percent of those who have currently have no health insurance."
The HealthFirst plan, also known as Senate Bill 1, was passed out of the General Assembly's Public Health Committee on March 26.
|
Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
