Presented by Kerrie Ann Hull MSW Student Northwest Nazarene University

Disclaimer The following presentation reflects my viewpoints and research gathered by myself. It does not represent the position of any organization that I may be affiliated with.

Introduction Beginning Statement Social Justice Perspective from NASW position statements and Social Work Speaks. Key Research from National Perspective Key points from State perspective Points to consider Closing Statement

To Begin… PPACA designed to dramatically improve state of health care across America and in our state. Will guarantee that everyone, businesses large and small, seniors, children, those with and without insurance will have access to health care they can afford. Lack of health care obvious social problem…those without insurance more likely to go without preventative care, delay medical care & even die prematurely. When sick, many access the ER and pay more for services than insured patients. Provisions within new Health Care Reform may help combat this problem!

Social Justice Perspectives NASW position: Strongly supports PPACA..been actively involved for years on health care reform. NASW, “a monumental legislative achievement of our time” and “a significant step toward a comprehensive and universal health care system for our nation” (cited in Gorin, 2010, p.163). ACA will provide more affordable, quality coverage for millions of Americans and will expand health coverage choices (7). Will allow individuals to retain current coverage, provide additional private plan options, and in some states offer public health insurance options designed to lower cost & keep insurance companies accountable (7). ACA will allow Medicaid to be available to all adults with incomes at or below 133% of poverty level & act as a true safety net for those facing hard economic times or those who have no other way to get health insurance (7). 5Retrieved from NASW Position Statement (January 12th 2011), by Elizabeth J. Clark.

Social Justice Perspectives Social Work Speaks (Health Care Policy Statement): Supports national health care policy that ensures right to universal access of health and mental health care throughout all stages of life cycle (8). Supports efforts to increase health care coverage to uninsured and underinsured until universal health care is achieved. (8). Supports coordination of NASW chapter efforts to influence state and federal health care policy. (8). Supports active participation of social workers on public & private health care policy and planning bodies. (8). Supports improved access, choice, quality and comprehensiveness of health & mental health services. (8) Supports policies and practices that ensure patients receive necessary care and guarantee patient rights protections. (8). 6 Kelly, J.J., & Clark, E.J. ( ). Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements. NASW Press: Washington, DC.

National Findings In 2006, 47 million Americans were uninsured (Wikler & Bailey, 2008). Between , 86.7 million Americans under age of 65 yrs old were uninsured (1) 18,000 adults in the US between yrs old in 2000 died due to lack of health insurance (2). More recently, in 2006, 22,000 adults in same age group died due to lack of health insurance (2). In 2006, across US, twice as many people died from lack of health insurance as died from Homicide (3).

State Findings-Idaho In 2006, 759,000 people between ages lived in Idaho; 18.2% were uninsured (3) In , 32.3% of the same age group went without health insurance for all or part of the two-year period (4). Between , approx. 700 Idahoans (25-64yrs old) died due to lack of health insurance (3). Families USA estimate that 2 working-age Idahoans die each WEEK due to lack of health insurance (3).

Points to Consider What happens now? How ACA can help? Idahoans often cannot get insurance they can afford. In most cases, if one tries to be buy private insurance, most health insurers can refuse based on pre- existing conditions. Idaho families face increasing costs for health insurance. Idaho families currently spend a great deal out of their own pockets to obtain the care they need. Under new ACA, 156,000 Idahoans will gain health insurance by Insurance companies no longer able to discriminate based on preexisting conditions. Families with moderate incomes will receive sliding scale subsidies to help purchase high-quality insurance. Insurance plans will have to place a cap on how much Idahoans are required to spend. 9Points retrieved from

Closing Statement There is no doubt that some areas of the ACA require further clarification; however, overall provisions within the Affordable Care Act “will help our clients, and perhaps many of us, who are likely among the 32 million people who will gain coverage thanks to the bill” (Gorin, 2011). Thank you

References (1) Families USA, Americans at Risk: One in Three Uninsured (March, 2009). Retrieved from (2) Institute of Medicine, Care without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late (Washington: National Academy Press, 2002). (3) Cited in Wikler, B., & Bailey, K. (2008). Dying for coverage in Idaho. Families USA. Retrieved from (4) Cited in Families USA, The Uninsured: A closer look, (March 2009). Retrieved from (5) Cited in Families USA, Health Coverage in Idaho: How will Health Reform Help? Retrieved from Gorin, S.H. (2010, August). The Patient Protection and Affordable care Act, cost control, and the battle for health care reform. Health & Social Work, 35, (7) Clark, E. J. (January 12 th, 2011). NASW Position Statement. (8) Kelly, J.J., & Clark, E.J. ( ). Social Work Speaks: National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements. NASW Press: Washington, DC. (9) Gorin, S.H. (2011). The Affordable Care Act: Background and Analysis. Health & Social Work, 36(2),