Rush joins HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn to press for equity for low-income Americans in health insurance reform legislation

WASHINGTON –– "We're here today to discuss and confirm what many of us in the legislature, throughout the country, and in the communities in which we have served for countless years have already known, that tackling and eliminating social inequities––in this case health disparities among our most vulnerable populations––is not only the right thing to do, morally, but has always been the most cost-effective in the long run.

"Many of us didn't need to hear that the Joint Center confirmed this notion that doing the right thing is always the most efficient way to do anything, whether it be eliminating waste, or safeguarding our economy… but it is surely good to hear.

"As a Sub-Committee Chairman on the Energy and Commerce Committee, our Committee had to be sure to address the substantive policy issue of community-level prevention and access efforts, approaches  I have been advocating for over the past 40 years as a community activist, as a Chicago alderman and, now, as a member of Congress.  I'm pleased that we have come at least this far, despite the many miles we have left to go.  We haven't made it this far in a national debate on healthcare in a long time. We're not there yet…but we will get there.

"Whatever final bill the President signs, it must include a strong public option and provisions that protect minority communities by further eliminating the huge disparities that exist between them and the mainstream.  As the President and others have stated, and as this report shows, part of the reason we are in this financial predicament is due to the continuation of historic inequities, and waste, in our current health system.

"As for disparities, I have been pushing to close these gaps even further when it comes to children's healthcare coverage and benefits, which many people do not realize will be reduced under the new system as it compares to Medicaid and CHIP––measures we fought for so long to get.

"I also would like to see other vulnerable populations provided better care including the two million American prisoners, 94% of whom will eventually be released and will place new burdens on our health care system.

"Until we address all vulnerable populations, particularly with our children, millions of whom are eligible for programs but don't have access, I think we may find ourselves right back here in 10-20 years discussing some of these same issues.  I hope I'm wrong."

Congressman Rush (far right) joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (at podium) and other top Congressional leaders to discuss the findings of a new study on racial inequalities in the U.S. health care system produced by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.  According to Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO of the Joint Center (2nd from left), "This study shows that society has been paying a steep price in actual dollars and cents for racial and ethnic health disparities and unequal access to quality health care."  Also participating at this morning briefing at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C., were Donna M. Christensen, U. S. Delegate to the Virgin Islands, and House Majority Whip James Clyburn (right of podium).

Congressman Rush discusses the implications of the findings of the Joint Center's report.