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Health Issues KENTUCKIANS FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM (KHCR) – This coalition was organized in 1993 in response to Governor Brereton Jones’ call for bold new initiatives to make health care affordable and accessible to all Kentuckians. KHCR wrote and adopted principles against which all proposals for reform were judged. The Coalition has been recognized by legislators, the administration, insurers, providers, and the media as being the voice of consumers of health care services in
We’re a coalition of concerned Kentuckians who believe that the best health care solutions are found when everyone works together to build them. Right now, families and businesses in every county are facing rising costs, and too many of us go without needed health care. Healthy families create healthy economies. And a healthy Kentucky economy is something we all want. So we’re working step by step to build a healthier Kentucky for our families, our children and our grandchildren. In January, 2008 a broad group of experienced advocates announced formation of KENTUCKY VOICES FOR HEALTH to work for increased health coverage for the 14% of Kentuckians (more than 630,000) without health insurance. Kentucky Voices for Health is building a statewide network of local constituent advocates who will educate fellow constituents, local leaders and legislators to enact public policies which will improve access for Kentuckians to affordable health care in 2008 and beyond. The Kentucky Voices’ leadership team includes AARP Kentucky, Advocacy Action Network, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Catholic Conference of Kentucky, Covering Kentucky Kids and Families, Health Kentucky, Kentucky Child Now, Kentucky Council of Churches, Kentucky Equal Justice Center , Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center , and Kentucky Youth Advocates. In addition, more than 30 stakeholder groups representing education, labor, civic organizations, consumers, providers and advocates are part of Kentucky Voices for Health. Kentucky Voices for Health is funded by a major grant from the Public Welfare Foundation to the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. The grant supports the coalition’s work to expand health coverage in the public and private sectors, to identify revenue sources to support public health care programs, and to develop a strong grassroots advocacy network across the state to inform policy-makers on important health issues.
(Click on the link above to be directed to the media release.)
Assure that all Kentuckians have choices of high-quality, affordable health care Ø Educate and engage the public in the national health care reform debate to ensure that affordable, high quality health care is available Ø Assist in implementing national health care reform provisions in Ø Assure that current levels of Medicaid coverage and services are maintained Ø Allow Medicaid coverage for working parents and other adults with incomes at least 100% of the federal poverty level – or higher if Congress provides new options and funds Make prevention a priority for Ø Support comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation programs and local efforts to create smoke free communities Ø Increase prevention initiatives in the Medicaid program, including early health screenings Ø Invest in resources and options to allow older Kentuckians and people with disabilities who need long term care the choice to remain in their homes Ø Promote worksite and community wellness programs – especially addressing obesity, physical exercise, stress and health habits Improve the health of Ø Support simplified enrollment and increased outreach to thousands of children eligible for the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) or Medicaid but not enrolled Ø Encourage school districts to implement the Coordinated School Health model Rev. Patrick Delahanty at the Catholic Conference of Kentucky: Sheila Schuster at the Advocacy Action Network: Rich Seckel at the Kentucky Equal Justice Center: Issue Briefs Released by Kentucky Voices for Health:
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has launched a new website which will be a valuable resource to all health advocates. Please click the following link: www.healthy-ky.org.
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