Gore: Working for Accessible, Quality Healthcare

Social Workers Support Al Gore’s Efforts in the Healthcare Arena

WASHINGTONMore than 37 million Americans are uninsured and another 50 million are underinsured. Many elderly cannot afford the medication they need. Still others who suffer from a mental illness are denied tratment because of cost and stigma. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds Al Gore on his work as a Congressman, Senator and as Vice President to ensure that all Americans will have access to quality healthcare, mental health services and prescription drugs in order to live longer, healther and more productive lives.

Social workers have advocated for a Patients Bill of Rights for all, guaranteeing people the healthcare they need , making sure that quality of care is not sacrificed with a lower price and having insurers held accountable for improper denial or delay of medically necessary treatment determined by a health practitioner. Social workers have also been active in the fight for mental health parity in a society where depression affects one in five people at some point in adult life. According to the Surgeon General, negative stigma and the high price of mental health care are keeping people from treatment. NASW also supports Gore in his fight for a prescription drug plan which would offer seniors affordable prescription drugs when needed.

For years, Al Gore has had a deep commitment to expanding and improving healthcare for all Americans. NASW supports Gore in his fight for Americans to live longer and healthier lives.