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Hoyer: Republicans Have Forgotten the Uninsured

This Week Marks National “Cover the Uninsured Week”

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Bush made remarks to the American Hospital Association regarding health care initiatives and Health Savings Accounts.  This week is recognized as “Cover the Uninsured Week.”

“It is more than a little ironic that President Bush’s remarks on health care today come on the same day that marks the beginning of ‘Cover the Uninsured Week.’ The fact is, there are 46 million uninsured Americans today, an increase of 6 million over the last five years. The President’s continued insistence on Health Savings Accounts as a remedy for America’s health care crisis shows that Republicans have no plan to help the uninsured. But at least President Bush is raising the issue; House Republicans are ignoring it. 

“Instead, the Republican response to covering the uninsured seems to stop at HSAs, which will undermine traditional group insurance and discourage American families from seeking important preventative care.  I hope that, unlike the debate on Social Security, Republicans will set aside their partisan agenda and join Democrats in finding a workable solution.  The health of America’s people and America’s future depends on realistic bipartisan action.” 

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