Greater Twin Cities United Way: Improving Lives, Strengthening Communities
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Goal: Providing Access to Healthcare

Healthcare Bill Raises Questions
The recently passed $938 billion healthcare overhaul, signed into law March 23, has led to questions regarding United Way's position on the healthcare reform issue. See the FAQs.

Recent Video Message
United Way's community impact program manger discusses the importance of healthcare access.

 

United Way's Work

Losing access to quality healthcare coupled with rising medical costs can devastate a family. In the current recession, families may lose their healthcare benefits if one or more working adults loses a job, and purchasing coverage privately can be difficult and very expensive.

For individuals working at low-paying jobs that do not offer healthcare coverage, or do not offer adequate coverage for essential medical needs, paying for coverage can be unaffordable due to increasing co-pays and deductibles.

Going without healthcare has a negative effect on families and our entire community. Research indicates that people who don't have regular access to healthcare and don't get preventive care are: less healthy, have more health complications and chronic illnesses, and are likely to die earlier. (See source)

 

Community Issues

  • The leading cause of personal bankruptcy filings is health-related debt, often due to inadequate health insurance. (Institute of Medicine: Care without Coverage, 2002)
  • Recent analysis predicts that each 1 percent point increase in unemployment will lead to 1.1 million more uninsured adults. The number of uninsured continues to increase. (Medicaid, State Children’s Health Insurance Program and Economic Downturn: Policy Challenges and Policy Responses, 2008)
  • Approximately 200,000 Minnesotans in the seven-county metro area are uninsured and an estimated 56 percent are potentially eligible for public coverage and are not receiving it. (Minnesota Dept. of Health. Health Economics Program and University of Minnesota School of Public Health. January 2008)
  • It is estimated that roughly 75 percent of uninsured minorities are eligible for public health insurance versus 50 percent of Caucasians. (Diabetes statement, Center for Disease Control, 2005)

 

United Way Response

In April 2009, United Way announced investments of $3.5 million each year in multi-year funding to support increased access to publicly funded healthcare coverage and community-based clinics and organizations.

Programs deliver integrated care that meets a patient's primary medical, dental and mental health needs, improving individual health and reducing expenses through more efficient service delivery.

United Way strengthens people’s ability to improve their long-term quality of life through education, income and health by:

  • Investing in programs that provide support and outreach to underserved populations increasing their access to publicly funded healthcare and maintaining their coverage.
  • Supporting increasing cultural competency in our partner programs for more effective interaction with clients seeking access to healthcare.

United Way streamlines systems to ensure programs and practices work together to create lasting community change by:

  • Participating in the Safety Net Coalition, a group of community leaders that monitor legislation and preserve health access for low-income individuals and families.
  • Working with legislative leaders and healthcare experts on a Health Care Reform Tool that will aid policy-makers in better assessing the impact of policy decisions.
  • Convening program grantees quarterly to share best practices and discuss emerging trends.

 

Get the Facts: Be an Advocate

The issue is complex, and there are many viewpoints. Check out the resources below for perspectives if you’d like to learn more.

Take charge of your health and the community's health:

 

Learn More

 

Healthcare Bill FAQs (updated March 23)

  • Does United Way have a position on the federal healthcare bill? What is United Way’s position on healthcare reform?
    Greater Twin Cities United Way does not have a position on the current federal healthcare bill. We do, however, agree that our current healthcare system does not adequately serve the most vulnerable citizens in our community, and creates barriers to achieving financial stability and educational success. United Way’s role is to serve those most in need in our region in the most effective and efficient way.
  • Why is health a part of our three focus areas?
    We believe that good health is an essential building block to helping people achieve their goals and therefore is a part of our work to create pathways out of poverty. United Way has outlined three specific goals related to helping people in greatest need improve their health:
    • Increasing access to healthcare and health services
    • Increasing healthy behaviors among children (improving oral health, reducing childhood obesity, etc.)
    • Helping seniors and people with disabilities maximize their independence
  • How is United Way increasing access to healthcare?
    United Way’s efforts to increase access to healthcare are entirely focused on our local population of people living in or on the edge of poverty. In April 2009, United Way announced a $3.5 million annual investment over three years to help those who qualify enroll in existing public healthcare programs, and to provide integrated care through community clinics that meets primary medical, dental and mental health needs. Providing access to integrated primary and preventive healthcare services is a critical component to ensuring school success and long-term financial stability.