This week, Genesis HealthCare System joins thousands of hospitals, business owners, union members, educators, students, patients, physicians, nurses, faith leaders and their congregants throughout the nation to call attention to the growing problem of the lack of health insurance coverage.

 

It is estimated that 45 million Americans have no health insurance, including more than 8 million children. Being uninsured means going without needed care. People without health care coverage live sicker and die younger than those who are covered and suffer needlessly from illnesses and sometimes die earlier than they should.

 

As the price of health care continues to rise, the problem is getting worse. Fewer individuals and families can afford to pay for coverage –  eight out of 10 uninsured Americans either work or are working families. Fewer small businesses are able to provide coverage for their employees, and those that do are struggling to hold on to the coverage they offer. It is a problem that affects all of us.

 

Local residents and business leaders are encouraged to join the effort to make health insurance coverage and access to health care a top priority for our nation. Resources regarding this issue are available at  CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org, a web site created by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on improving the health and health care of all Americans.