Increasing mental problems challenging China's health service Sep 9, 2009
As well, mental health is now covered in a plan mapped out by the Health Ministry whose goal is to provide universal access to basic medical services, including mental health services, by the year 2020. "More and more people are turning to us for help," said Zhang Yanping. (Xinhuanet, China)
Health Care: The Conservative Alternative in the Senate Sep 8, 2009
We can achieve universal access to quality, affordable health care without bankrupting our children. It can be done. (Human Events Online)
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE |Sept. 3, 2009 Sep 7, 2009
Universal access to prostate screening. I recently read a brochure published by the Urological Research Foundation concerning universal access to prostate cancer screening. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Margaret A. Bengs: Health bill would put hospitals in moral bind Sep 1, 2009
The "universal access" many are calling for as part of their mission to care for the needy may come at the price of jeopardizing Catholic moral principles on abortion and conscience rights for hospitals and health care providers ... The dilemma facing Catholic health care systems, says Leonard Nelson III, law professor at Samford University in Alabama, is that "appeals to social justice by some leaders in Catholic health care" who are advocating for a more expansive federal government role pose... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Zuma lights up Limpopo Aug 31, 2009
" The president cautioned those who connected electricity illegally commonly called izinyoka (snakes) not to steal electricity as it deprived local government and Eskom of money needed to build more infrastructure. "In fact, these criminals are denying the government of the resources it needs to realise its objective of achieving universal access to all proclaimed areas by 2014. " Zuma acknowledged that there were many households near Mushiyane still without electricity, but assured... (iAfrica.com)
Health care fearmongers are shameful Aug 31, 2009
It is not that complicated: universal access, lower costs and better research ... Honest Abe wrote on Aug 30, 2009 9:15 AM:" Sen. Grassley may be wrong, but you are also wrong, as you don't have the facts.Fact #1 There is already a federal law that requires hospitals to treat everyone brought into the ER. When was the last time there was a news report of an Iowan not getting the care they needed when they went to an ED? Fact #2 Iowans that are in the poverty level already have health insurance... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Medibank backs system shake-up Aug 27, 2009
Health insurance expert Just Stoelwinder, who spent five months studying the Dutch scheme, said while Medicare Select represented a huge change, he believed it could work in Australia, given the similarities in the health culture of the two countries, including acceptance of universal access to health services. The change would mean ''shifting from a government-run system to a consumer-choice system'', said Professor Stoelwinder, who heads health services management studies at Monash University. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Polling on the public option Aug 25, 2009
"Please say that it leads by 62%-32%. It is very easy for people to deliberately overlook the + sign and then start stories that the public option only has 30% support. said... I would like to see separate polling on the prospect of "universal access to healthcare insurance" distinct from "health care reforms" involving preexisting conditions, etc.? I would ask, "do you support the idea that the government (i. e. taxpayer) should subsidize access to healthcare insurance for all American... (Harper's Magazine)
Letters to the editor Aug 21, 2009
Universal access to health care is an American right, not a privilege. Driving is a privilege. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Health co-ops need same shields as public plan Aug 19, 2009
Whatever the solution to universal access to high-quality care at an affordable level is called, the trade-off of more government for better health care is inescapable. And once we get past that, maybe we concentrate on better health for all Americans; on food safety and security, on getting kids moving in school and in parks, on inviting, crime-free public spaces for exercise, on reducing smoking, air pollution, lead in baby toys - on the underlying realities that generate that $1 trillion bill... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
A reason behind the rage Aug 13, 2009
One should be about the obligation to ensure universal access to health care, which will directly benefit millions of struggling families and make this a better society. The other a more complicated, difficult and painful discussion should be about the long-term problem of out-of-control health care costs, which would be a looming crisis even if President Obama had never uttered the word reform. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
In Mexico, Obama Predicts Health Care Win Aug 11, 2009
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Aug. 10, 2009. President Talks Domestic, Foreign Issues at North America Leaders Summit. (CBS News)
Obama Can't Afford To Tell Truth on Health Care Aug 4, 2009
They follow up with the promise that under their plan, we would achieve universal access ... Not only would this fact undermine the urgency of his appeal; it illustrates that even under his "universal access" plan, not everyone would acquire coverage anyway. (Townhall.com)
It Won't Cost Anything! -- And It Won't Change Anything Jul 26, 2009
So forgive me if I am skeptical when Obama -- who called it "painful" to squeeze one half of 1 percent from the gargantuan federal machine -- claims, as he did at Wednesday night's news conference, that two-thirds of his plan to provide universal access to health care for Americans "can be paid for by reallocating money that is simply being wasted in federal health care programs.". What shocks me is how smart people actually buy into the notion that the administration can expand health coverage... (Townhall.com)
Obama: How we'll close fiscal gaps Jul 25, 2009
Hiatt: But if you got a bill that was universal access paid for but didn't have things you think are key to bending the curve, would you accept it. Obama: No. Over time, what would happen would be that even if we had paid for it in the first 10 years, in the next 10 years if health-care inflation went up faster than whatever revenue source we had we'd be adding to the deficit then. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Single-payer rallies take place across Montana Jul 25, 2009
Blue Cross also released a statement after the rally, saying it supports health care reforms and the goal of universal access to health care. However, it said building on the country's current system of providing insurance through employers holds much more promise toward achieving universal access to quality health care than a single-payer system. (Missoulian, MT)
China outlines plans on health care reform in 2009 Jul 24, 2009
With 850 billion yuan (124 billion U.S. dollars) investment, the plan is considered to lay a solid foundation for equitable and universal access to essential health care for all in China by 2020. Editor: Mu Xuequan. (Xinhuanet, China)
Analysis: Obama's lackluster health care message Jul 23, 2009
No. In fact, there is substantial agreement, at least among Democrats, about a number of sweeping features of a bill: new regulations on insurance companies; new protections for customer-patients; a commitment to universal access, if not coverage; new studies of how to treat patients holistically and preventatively; a new system for controlling Medicare payments. But that is just the beginning at least if the president wants real system-wide reform and after last night he wasnt any... (MSNBC -- Politics)
“Statism”, Again Jul 22, 2009
I have not heard one persuasive argument from conservatives that would 1) have little to no role for government and 2) ensure universal access to healthcare. Usually, the terms pre-existing condition and rescission are completely absent from these arguments. (The American Conservative)
AMA backs House reform bill Jul 18, 2009
In a news release, AMA President J. James Rohack noted that the status quo is unacceptable, and said the AMA is committed to passing health reform this year consistent with principles of pluralism, freedom of choice, freedom of practice, and universal access for patients. . (Crain's Chicago Business)
The next chapter in healthcare reform Jul 17, 2009
We have achieved near-universal access, which was the first step toward better health for citizens ... We agree with the Payment Reform Commission s conclusion that as our physicians acquire the tools and skills needed to accept global payment, we will get closer to reaching universal access to high-quality affordable healthcare. (Boston Globe)
Insurance firms playing God Jul 11, 2009
Kramer wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:14 AM:" Tiny and Hank are correct. If you examine what happens in Canada and the UK - two examples of "single payer" health care systems - both are notorious for the government rationing access to health care by denying treatments and medications. In addition, delays (waiting times) for health services are known to be significant. What we learn from these examples is that "universal health care coverage" does not translate to universal access to health care. ".... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Improving our tangled healthcare mess Jul 11, 2009
He also noted how the justifications for the British National Health Service - universal access to medical care with an emphasis on prevention in order to save money - were completely wrong. Roberts recognized only two ways to address rising expenditures: by rationing care or by keeping national productivity high enough to sustain them. (Boston Globe)
Swine flu hits Harry Potter Jul 5, 2009
Universal access to a swine flu vaccine remains a "critical question," World Health Organization (WHO) assistant director-general Keiji Fukuda said during a summit on the virus in the Mexican beach resort town of Cancun. Fukuda said guaranteeing the vaccine is distributed to underdeveloped nations will require "political goodwill.". (iAfrica.com)
Platts kicks off town hall meetings Jul 1, 2009
Platts stressed the need for universal access to affordable and quality health care coverage. I am one who believes that promoting competition and choice is in your best interest, he said, as opposed to a single-payer government system. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
The health of a nation Jun 28, 2009
"What's being talked about is universal access in terms of insurance. But that doesn't ensure that there will be a provider network," he said. "Massachusetts is having trouble treating these patients because while they now have insurance or some sort of a financial vehicle, the rates are such where a lot of providers are not signing up for it.". (The Augusta Chronicle)
Bisbee, SV hospital administrators weigh in on national health care discussion (3) Jun 22, 2009
Dickson says that, while he supports universal access to health care, he does not support a government-controlled health care system. Our legislators designed the Medicaid program to help the poor and uninsured but left it subject to the vagaries of the state budget process, he said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Doctors signal they'll work with Obama Jun 20, 2009
Delegates followed her advice and declared support for health reform alternatives that are consistent with AMA principles, which include freedom to choose health insurance and universal access for patients. Nielsen said the new language could include a public plan, but that it doesn t commit the AMA to endorsing any or all public options. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Lewis: Overhauling our healthcare system Jun 20, 2009
Virtually every other country in the developed world provides universal access to healthcare ... Such a plan would ensure universal access to care while helping to control healthcare costs. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
AMA avoids stance on health insurance option Jun 18, 2009
Influential medical group supports freedom of choice and universal access ... The AMA delegates meeting in Chicago agreed Wednesday to support health care reform alternatives that are "consistent with AMA principles," which include freedom to choose health insurance and universal access for patients. (MSNBC -- Health)
MINOR/A Cochran-Obama marriage? Jun 18, 2009
Again, in the 1950s Democrat Harry Truman unsuccessfully tried to install universal access to health care coverage. And, in 1993 we all remember the relentless "Harry and Louise" health care industry ad campaign, that, with GOP help, blocked Bill Clinton's attempt to reform health care. (Philadelphia Neshoba Democrat, MS)
UK plans universal access to high-speed Internet Jun 17, 2009
Search Type Choose a search type from the items below. By MEERA SELVA, Associated Press Writer Meera Selva, Associated Press Writer. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Full Story » Jun 17, 2009
UK plans universal access to high-speed Internet - Yahoo ... UK plans universal access to high-speed Internet. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Fixing Health Care For Small Businesses Jun 17, 2009
Some argue the mandate - also referred to as "pay or play" - could also help reduce costs the government will take on to ensure universal access to health care. Others argue it is simply politics masquerading as economics. (CBS News -- Evening News)
South Africa: Zweli Mkhize On the NHI Jun 16, 2009
Universal access to a basic package of services for both the rich and poor will be achieved by the NHI. With such a well developed private health sector South Africa needs to ensure a regulated coexistence of the two sectors to find a balance between the two extremities. This must include the increased funding for the public health sector and regulating the medical aids industry to pool the resources available for the whole country and create a common platform for improving health outcomes. (allAfrica.com)
DEVIN NUNES: A better alternative than Obama's plan Jun 5, 2009
We can achieve universal access to quality, affordable health care without bankrupting our children with trillions more in debt or imposing draconian tax hikes on all Americans. It can be done, and the Patients' Choice Act shows us how. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Liberal groups say they will spend $82m to push through healthcare legislation Jun 2, 2009
Gathering at a conference to discuss how to promote President Obama's agenda, the leaders said Americans voted for major change last November, and that liberals would fight to help the Obama administration keep its promises on providing universal access to affordable healthcare, as well as immigration reform and education. "Progressives are fired up and excited about the possibility of what could be the greatest era of progressive reform since 1960," said Richard Borosage, codirector of the... (Boston Globe)
South Africa: National Health Insurance Plan Presented to Ruling ANC Jun 2, 2009
However, she added that universal access to health care - a defining feature of NHI - cannot be achieved without appropriate regulation of the private sector. A confidential draft of the NHI plan indicates on its front page that "This project was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation". (allAfrica.com)
South Africa: Rush Job on NHI? May 30, 2009
However, she added that universal access to health care - a defining feature of NHI - cannot be achieved without appropriate regulation of the private sector. Dr Jonathan Broomberg, head of strategy and risk management at Discovery Health said that private sector stakeholders were not in general opposed to the objectives of NHI, but had significant concerns regarding some aspects of the proposed mechanisms used to achieve it. (allAfrica.com)
The visible hand in America May 29, 2009
But not, he goes on to say, if this is just a substitute for universal access. Mr Stone has run up small victories in the past year. (The Economist)
Oregon moves to expand state health coverage May 29, 2009
Andy Davidson, president of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said the bill provides a "launching point to search for a broader way in which to fund expansion so that ultimately we can get to universal access.". Legislative leaders acknowledge that expanding health insurance to more Oregonians will not be affordable unless the state also finds ways to reduce health care costs. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Govt sets 2015 target for universal health insurance May 26, 2009
But if you want something to spread all over the country, you need to buy into the states and councils," he said. Mohammed said Nigeria is the only country in the world where health insurance is optional and making the scheme compulsory may be the best way of ensuring universal access. "At the moment, it has really being optional social health insurance in Nigeria. We are the only country that I can remember in the world that has made it optional. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Republican Healthcare Alternative Unveiled; Gitmo Closure Held Up May 22, 2009
This budget neutral proposal would indemnify everyone, folding in Medicaid and offering universal access within the private insurance sector for every American without adding new debt or taxes. As a practicing physician, I have seen first-hand how giving government more control over health care has failed to make health care more affordable and accessible, Dr. Coburn said. (Human Events Online)
Dogene patents spur or stifle science? May 14, 2009
European health care systems operating with fixed budgets and a promise of universal access found themselves in a bind with respect to the Myriad license and price. They wanted to offer genetic testing to all women at risk but could not afford to do so. (MSNBC -- Health)
Poverty is major factor in pandemic May 1, 2009
They signed an agreement to work toward a goal of universal access to health care by the year 2000. We are currently farther from that goal than ever more people live in poverty, and there s no greater access to health care. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Summary for Patients Apr 28, 2009
On the other hand, providing universal access to health insurance seems to narrow gaps in care that minority racial and ethnic groups receive. The findings imply that to narrow gaps in the outcome of health care that minority racial and ethnic groups receive, the United States will have to provide universal access to health care. (Annals of Internal Medicine)
Obama's ambition Apr 28, 2009
But universal access doesn't necessarily go with cutting costs. And having the government control every aspect of the health care delivery system not only will inhibit creativity and progress, it will also cost a lot of money. (CNN)
Kirk: U.S. Health Care Reformers Can Learn from Canada, Britain Apr 28, 2009
Our country should work toward providing universal access to health care ... Our country should work toward providing universal access to health care. (Roll Call)
Bertolami: Health Care Reform Must Include Dental Care Apr 28, 2009
Our country should work toward providing universal access to health care. While a nationalized, government HMO could prompt tax increases, inflation and a decline in quality, we can enact policies to dramatically expand health care access for Americans. (Roll Call)
Zuma's challenges Apr 28, 2009
" And the list of issues on which the Zuma government has to deliver is long. Economic risk In its manifesto, the ANC promised a Canadian-styled National Health Insurance System; a "food for all" scheme; "adequate housing" for the military veterans who fought white minority rule; more child grants to poor families; bringing down "unacceptably high" levels of unemployment and "universal access" to water and sanitation by the time of the next election. Trevor Manuel is accused by South Africa's... (BBC News -- Africa)
China to build 2,000 county-level hospitals Apr 9, 2009
China expects the plan lays a solid foundation for equitable and universal access to essential health care for all in China. (Source: CRIENGLISH.com). (Xinhuanet, China)
China to set up clinics in every village within 3 years Apr 7, 2009
BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China unveiled a three-year action plan on health care reform Tuesday, which it said would lay a solid foundation for equitable and universal access to essential health care for all in China. Under the 850 billion yuan (124 billion U.S. dollar) plan for 2009 to 2011, the government promised universal access to basic health insurance, introduction of an essential drug system, improved primary health care facilities, equitable access to basic public health services and... (Xinhuanet, China)
Action plan on health care reform unveiled Apr 7, 2009
China unveils action plan for universal access to basic health care_English_Xinhua. China unveils action plan for universal access to basic health care ... BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China unveiled a three-year action plan on health care reform Tuesday, which it said would lay a solid foundation for equitable and universal access to essential health care for all in China. (Xinhuanet, China)
Troubling financial system plan introduced to Congress Apr 1, 2009
My colleagues and I have submitted an alternative, Republican Road to Recovery, a recovery plan that addresses our most pressing national challenges providing universal access to affordable health care, protecting the long-term stability of our entitlement programs and ensuring affordable energy for all Americans. Now more than ever, we need to return to the basic principles of limited government and personal responsibility that made our nation great and will make it great once again. (Atmore Advance, AL)
Universal Confusion Mar 27, 2009
Take the phrase "universal access to affordable health care," which uses no fewer than seven times ... In 1992, then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton promised "guaranteed universal access" to health care ... Gov. Bobby Jindal used the phrase in his to President Obama's speech to Congress in February: "We stand for universal access to affordable health care coverage. What we oppose is universal government-run health care." Republican Sen. (Slate)
Surviving without a phone on the desk Mar 16, 2009
Finally, other countries that provide universal access usually take away a great degree of consumer choice in doctors and hospitals. Instead, a parallel private insurance system often emerges, outside of the government plan, to provide such choice - usually to wealthier people. (Boston Globe)
It Can't Happen Here Mar 7, 2009
He, and we, may be kidding ourselves in thinking that it's possible to have universal access and cost control without stifling innovation or limiting individual choice ... His college plan is for universal access to loans, not the essentially free ride that most students get in the European Union. (Slate)
So much Bill in Obama Mar 1, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009. By MARIE COCCO First published in print: Saturday, February 28, 2009. (Albany Times Union)
Rentrak Launches Digital Download Essentials Service With Measurement Partner NBC Universal Feb 28, 2009
"The Digital Download Essentials service gives NBC Universal access to valuable reporting about what television content our customers are purchasing via the Internet," said Michael Bonner, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Digital Distribution. "With the addition of this service, we have the data needed to make strategic business choices across multiple platforms.". (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Hotsheet: 00001839Jindal Stresses Smaller Government Feb 25, 2009
We stand for universal access to affordable health care coverage. We oppose universal government-run health care. (CBS News -- 60 minutes)
Governor Bobby Jindal's Republican Address: 'Americans Can Do Anything' Feb 25, 2009
"Good evening. I'm Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana. Tonight, we witnessed a great moment in the history of our Republic. In the very chamber where Congress once voted to abolish slavery, our first African-American President stepped forward to address the state of our union. With his speech tonight, the President completed a redemptive journey that took our nation from Independence Hall...to Gettysburg...to the lunch counter... and now, finally, the Oval Office. Regardless of party, all... (PR Newswire)
Health report contains high hopes Feb 19, 2009
But higher hospitalisation might also be a sign of better access to hospital care %u2013 less rationing than in UK and Canada due to the role of private health funds and hospitals in Australia, greater access than in NZ where bed numbers are ridiculously low and the hospital crisis as bad if not worse than in Australia despite a decade of primary care reforms, and more universal access than in the US due the combined effect of our mixed private and public systems. Sure, it%u2019s bad to go into... (The Australian)
Full text of Budget 2009 speech Feb 12, 2009
Madam Speaker, the budget papers contain details of many more areas of public expenditure - increased allocations for roads and commuter transport services, an allocation to the Universal Access Services Agency to subsidise set-top boxes as part of the digital television broadcasting initiative, an expansion in training capacity for the Reserve Force of the Department of Defence, upgraded IT systems for the Department of Home Affairs and to modernise immigration and customs services at border... (Business Report, South Africa)
With Daschle out, Obama should make Romney the healthcare-reform czar Feb 9, 2009
In the process, he convinced a wary Bush administration to maintain their full financial commitment to the state's Medicaid program by selling the Massachusetts plan as a potential model for universal access without a single-payer mechanism. Of course, the former governor also brings several liabilities to the table, many resulting from his 2008 campaign. (Yahoo News)
'Medicare-for-all' cure for health woes Feb 8, 2009
All of the incremental reform programs proposed tax subsidies, health savings accounts, individual or employer mandates, increased regulation of for-profit insurance companies keep these proverbial foxes in the henhouse and are doomed to fail to control costs and provide universal access. Competition among the foxes does not benefit the chickens, the patients, the doctors or the hospitals. (Houston Chronicle)
