Health Care in Crisis in Louisiana
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-09-18 15:02:22.647170-04:00
A new survey conducted by AARP shows three in five, or sixty percent, of all Louisiana residents are more likely to vote for a candidate for public office who supports making the same basic healthcare coverage available to all Louisiana residents at affordable rates.
The research goes on to reveal that sixty three percent of all Louisiana residents are worried about the rising cost of healthcare and insurance and about half are concerned they won't be able to afford care for a major medical problem. Some Louisiana residents are already in financial crisis due to medical bills.
"I have no where to turn. I am forty-three and take care of my grandmother. She has Alzheimer's. We sold her house to help pay for her care. This money will be gone in a few months and. I have been through all my savings in an effort to keep her out of a nursing home," Theresa Schauweker said.
Other Louisiana residents continue to work so they will not become a financial burden to their family.
"Health Care is the reason I'm still working. After I retire, I have no health insurance except what I can afford on the open market. My husband died, I am a cancer survivor and take daily medication. The monthly cost without insurance is $365. Without health insurance, I would be financially wiped out and become a burden to my children. So, I keep working," said Barbara Wheat.
One proposal to address healthcare issues is to create a new system that focuses on disease prevention and treatment of chronic conditions and that has a single doctor or group of doctors coordinate medical care. AARP's survey shows that two in three residents support using some of the federal money that currently goes to the Charity Hospital system to make such a system available in Louisiana.
"The post-Katrina climate provides opportunities for Louisiana to address healthcare reform issues, particularly how we fund our system of care," Julia Kenny, AARP Government Relations Director, said. "We are electing a new governor and two thirds of the legislature is turning over due to term limits. With 73 percent of Louisiana voters concerned about the availability of quality healthcare, now is the time for voters to elect leaders who are committed to healthcare reform so that everyone has access to affordable, quality healthcare."
What Louisiana Residents Say About Healthcare Reform:
- Four in five (89%) Louisiana residents think it is extremely or very important to make health care affordable for all residents.
- Four in five (83%) Louisiana residents agree that all Louisianans should have access to the same basic health care coverage.
- Three in four (77%) agree that everyone- employers, individuals, and the government, should contribute to a system so that everyone can have the same basic health care coverage.
- Three in five (60%) Louisiana residents polled would be more likely to vote for a candidate for public office if he or she supports the creation of a system that makes the same basic health care coverage available to all Louisianans at affordable rates.
AARP commissioned Alan Newman Research, Inc. to conduct a random digit dial (RDD) telephone survey of Louisiana residents age 18 and older. The survey was conducted between April 23 and May 12, 2007 and a total of 800 interviews were completed.
To request of copy of AARP's survey "Perceptions of Healthcare Reform", contact Beth Bryant, Communications Director, at (225) 376-1145.
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