Published by: William Walker on 1/19/2011 10:38:11 AM
As director of a public health system and a practicing physician for three decades, I see up close what happens to people when they don't have health insurance. The situation is desperate: many people are without health insurance and there are fewer and fewer resources available to serve them. Public health systems are responsible for caring for the uninsured and are holding together the safety net with band-aids. This health care crisis affects everyone, and the Affordable Care Act makes it possible to give everyone affordable and high-quality health care – which we all deserve and want for ourselves and our families.
We already have begun to see the benefits of health reform – young adults now are able to remain on or become insured under their parents’ employer-sponsored health insurance, small businesses are offering health insurance to employees because of the tax credits available under health reform, and children are no longer discriminated against and barred from health insurance because of pre-existing health conditions. I recognize that the law is not perfect, but it is a huge step toward opening the doors to health care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay. We need to build upon the Affordable Care Act and not take away the health care benefits that some of our residents are receiving already. I support access to comprehensive health care for all residents and do not support attempts to repeal this health care legislation that will ultimately improve the health of our communities.
William B. Walker, M.D., Director and Health Officer
Contra Costa Health Services