healthcare4every1.org - April 16, 2007
As Connecticut confronts one of the most critical issues facing its families, communities and economy, it’s imperative that lawmakers and the public get accurate information, and that has to start with the press.
The Hartford Courant’s front page health care story on Tuesday underscored what happens when reporters do not have a full grasp of a complex issue or the facts. The information in the story not only flew in the face of fair and accurate coverage, but also flew in the face of common sense. The only thing more absurd than the story’s suggestion that the single-payer plan bill approved by committee last month would cost the state of Connecticut between $11.8 billion and $18 billion was that it appeared in a page 1 story. This was a disservice to the public.
The Foundation was among a number of policy groups, residents and health advocates, including from the healthcare4every1 campaign that responded immediately Tuesday in an effort to clarify the misinformation. (go here (.doc) for a Foundation statement). In fact, the misreported universal health care plan is one of the two approaches in the legislature that would cover everyone, reduce costs and save the state money. Both also meet the Institute of Medicine principles adopted by the Foundation. For more about the plans and their true economic impacts go here (.pdf).
