Wisconsin residents are fortunate that their state leaders have been relatively progressive when it comes to providing programs that increase access to health care coverage. BadgerCare and BadgerCare Plus are two examples of state government working to ensure that Wisconsin citizens have greater access to health care than those in most states.
But for all of its successes, Wisconsin still has ground to gain in providing health care access to all of its citizens. Existing programs still have complexities and red tape that prevent or discourage many families and individuals from receiving coverage. And the playing field is getting tougher as the economic recession has led to increased job losses and created a group of newly uninsured residents. That playing field is only going to become more difficult in the coming months.
Which is why the seventh-annual national Cover the Uninsured Week - this year, running through March 28 - is an important time of the year to focus attention on the numbers and plights of the approximately 47 million Americans who live each day precariously without health insurance.
Locally, a committee of dedicated community servants works each year to put on a Cover the Uninsured forum. This year's event is at 2 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Monroe Clinic's Founders Hall, and will feature a number of local health and elected officials. It will include a discussion of programs available and an opportunity to discuss concerns or shortcomings in the current system.
It's an important informational event worth participating in, that hopefully continues to raise awareness and spark discussions about how those who are uninsured among us can be helped.
But for all of its successes, Wisconsin still has ground to gain in providing health care access to all of its citizens. Existing programs still have complexities and red tape that prevent or discourage many families and individuals from receiving coverage. And the playing field is getting tougher as the economic recession has led to increased job losses and created a group of newly uninsured residents. That playing field is only going to become more difficult in the coming months.
Which is why the seventh-annual national Cover the Uninsured Week - this year, running through March 28 - is an important time of the year to focus attention on the numbers and plights of the approximately 47 million Americans who live each day precariously without health insurance.
Locally, a committee of dedicated community servants works each year to put on a Cover the Uninsured forum. This year's event is at 2 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Monroe Clinic's Founders Hall, and will feature a number of local health and elected officials. It will include a discussion of programs available and an opportunity to discuss concerns or shortcomings in the current system.
It's an important informational event worth participating in, that hopefully continues to raise awareness and spark discussions about how those who are uninsured among us can be helped.
