National Trends

In Vermont, the House passed a universal health care bill last week. While there are likely to be substantial changes made to the law as it works its way through the Senate, it is a strong first step, and more evidence that the health care crisis is becoming impossible to ignore. More and more states are taking concrete steps to solve the problem.

The latest Kaiser Health Poll Report found that Americans are more worried about health care than about losing their job, paying their rent or mortgage, losing money in the stock market, or being a victim of a terrorist attack. 49% said they are very worried about having to pay more for health care, 42% are very worried about not being able to afford the care they need, 35% are very worried they will not be able to afford prescription drugs, and 32% are very worried about declining quality of care. (Polled 1,203 adults, conducted March 31-April 3, +/- 3 %)

Baystaters share these worries. They believe health care should be the highest priority on the public agenda. Their greatest worries are access to health insurance and the cost of their health care. Time to lay the foundation for lasting statutory reforms with a state constitutional amendment.