School-based Outreach Initiative Part I The Role of Government and Community

Part I: Health Insurance for all children: The role of the government and community. With the rising rate of uninsured in the United States, combining the strength of state and schools, health departments, community, and private business is an effective way to tear down the obstacles to health care.

Most Americans believe access to health care and insurance is a right that everyone should have. And, surprising, more then two-thirds of that same survey population believe federal and state governments should take responsibility in guaranteeing and providing healthcare. Communities are genuinely concerned about the health, wellness, and safety of their neighborhoods and feel governments should do more to ensure access to healthcare for all. Over fifty percent of those surveyed were in favor of health insurance for all even if that meant raising taxes.

Local and state government can do much to eliminate barriers to enrollment including prohibitive income guidelines, unsupported outreach efforts, limited capabilities of resources already in place, and complex application processes. Although challenged with legislature barriers that may require law changes, much can be done to affect these changes and put into place a program that simplifies and reduces obstacles.