Politics

Health Insurance Reform Starts With Our Children

By Karina

Yesterday, Speaker Pelosi held a press conference following a meeting with children’s advocates on behalf of comprehensive health insurance reform legislation. The advocates, many of whom brought young children with them, included Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund, Donna Norton of Moms Rising, Dr. Judy Palfrey, President of American Academy of Pediatrics, Bill Bentley, President of Voices for Americas Children, and Lisa Shapiro from First Focus:

Full transcript:

Speaker Pelosi. Good afternoon. What a happy day for us at the Capitol of the United States. We have everyone from 6-week-old Isabella. We have twins. We have wonderful babies who are here to speak out for other children, to bear witness to the need for us to pass quality, affordable health care.

When people ask me, ?What are the three most important issues facing the Congress?? I always say the same thing: ?Our children, our children, our children.? Their health, their education, the economic security of their families, a healthy, safe community in which they can thrive, and a world at peace in which they can reach their fulfillment.

Here today we have come together to talk about our children, our children, our children with some of the leading advocates in the country. We are honored by the presence of Marian Wright Edelman?no one has done more for our children, our children, our children than Marian Wright Edelman, Marian Wright Edelman, Marian Wright Edelman. With Donna Norton from Moms Rising, Dr. Judy Palfrey, President of American Academy of Pediatrics, Bill Bentley, President of Voices for America?s Children. We have, did I miss someone? First Focus, who is here from First Focus? Lisa Shapiro from First Focus.

So we are very pleased that these organizations have joined us. We are honored by their presence because they work for children all the time; that is their organized purpose. They have been a resource to us intellectually as we go forward with the legislation, and they are here with us today to make sure that bright futures are translated into the law of the land for America?s children.

Over the years, so many people have played a critical role in advancing the health and well-being, and the future of America?s children. Last year, as you know, with the help of all gathered here, we passed the SCHIP legislation, providing health insurance to 11 million children?one of the first bills signed by President Obama.

This legislation is no different. From pediatricians and nurses to advocates and activists, their voices have been important to passing this legislation and now we are closer than ever to making health insurance a reality.

For America?s families, nothing comes before the future of the health of their children. Would that not be correct for all of you and your families as well? That?s why we have come together today to remind all Americans that health insurance reform starts with our children.

Let me just talk about some of the provisions of the bill for a moment. Health insurance reform will ensure a lifetime of health for the next generation. When we pass the bill, starting immediately, no parent will have to see their child denied care of coverage because of a pre-existing condition?starting immediately.

We will extend the successful SCHIP initiative through 2019. Insurance companies will no longer be able to come between children and their doctors. We will support the education of nurses and social workers who care for children and their parents every day. We will guarantee affordable oral, hearing and vision care for our kids, improve reimbursements for primary care physicians, and ensure the Medicaid covers primary and specialty care.

None of this would be possible without the leadership of President Obama. He has gotten us to this point. We also had the inspiration and leadership for many years of Senator Kennedy. But again, all that we can do officially is greatly augmented by what happens when we have the outside validation of those whose profession, vocation, and lifetime is dedicated to the health of our children.

Our kids cannot wait another moment for us to act. American parents cannot wait another moment. Our country deserves reform. This is, when we are talking about health care reform, we are talking about the health of our children. We are talking about diet, not diabetes. We are talking about prevention and wellness. But we are also talking about reducing the deficit. It is our responsibility to future generations that we not heap mountains of debt onto future generations.

The children have been magnificent and patient and listening to all of this up until now, and that gives me the opportunity to thank them all for being here. It is so exciting for me, as you know, being a grandma.

But it also gives me a perfect opportunity to thank and acknowledge the incredible leadership of Marian Wright Edelman of the Children?s Defense Fund and thank her for what she has done for America?s children. Thank you, Marian Wright Edelman.

(more…)

Full post as published by The Gavel on March 16, 2010 (boomark / email).

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