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Health Committee

The mission of the NAACP is to ensure equal political, educational, social, and economic rights for all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. This mission includes a focus on the right of African Americans and other people of color to have optimal health outcomes and access to timely, quality, affordable health care. African Americans continue to have the highest incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates from chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, and issues like HIV/AIDS continue to overwhelm the Black community more so than  any other racial or ethnic group.

 

The NAACP is committed to eliminating the racial and ethnic inequities that exist within our healthcare system that undermine communities of color, their life opportunities, and their ability to contribute fully to the common good.

The Health Committee shall:

  • Conduct health fairs, education, workshops, and awareness events;

  • Develop a health services resource guide;

  • Work to promote, protect and maintain the health of African Americans;​

  • Assess the health needs of the community;​

  • Advocate for equal access to health ​education, care treatment in the community; 

  • Advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment, and research for all Americans;

  • Sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color;​ such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color; and

  • Support health initiatives of the Association.

5 Myths about Healthcare Reform

There have been many myths and misrepresentations (both intentional and unintended) surrounding healthcare reform proposals supported by the NAACP, President Obama and many Members of Congress. Furthermore, many attempts to correct the misinformation and answer questions at town hall meetings and other forums have been, sadly, unnecessarily obstructed. Therefore the NAACP would like to provide the following information to debunk some of the myths and answer some of the questions about what healthcare reform will and will not do.

MYTH #1
Healthcare Reform Will Not Help Average Americans

REALITY:


Everyone, sooner or later, requires healthcare. Under the proposals supported by President Obama, all Americans will enjoy certain protections. These include:

  • No discrimination for pre-existing conditions; insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history;

  • No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays; insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses;

  • No cost-sharing for preventive care; insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics;

  • No dropping of coverage for the seriously ill; insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill;

  • No gender discrimination; insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

  • No annual or lifetime caps on coverage; insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. Extended coverage for young adults; children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

  • Guaranteed insurance renewal; insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

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