Statement Of Michael Ehlert, M.D., National President, American Medical Student Association On Number Of Uninsured Americans Increasing, USA

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 30 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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"Though the poverty rate has dropped and more people are working, the number of uninsured Americans has reached an all-time high, according to the U.S. Census Bureau report issued recently. These statistics are an S.O.S. for all of the presidential hopefuls. The United States needs a single, national health care system and its next leader must provide a solution. This is not a problem we can ignore anymore. The 47 million uninsured and millions of other underinsured Americans need our help.

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation's largest, independent medical student organization supports universal health care as defined by guaranteeing access to quality and affordable health care for all persons living in the United States. This coverage should be provided regardless of a person's socioeconomic status, geographic location, race/ethnicity, employment status, age, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability or occupation."

Medical students around the nation are mobilizing around quality affordable healthcare for all initiatives. This summer, students rallied around Michael Moore's documentary, Sicko. In September, a group of students will convene in Washington, D.C. for the Universal Health Care Leadership Institute. For more information on AMSA's universal healthcare initiatives, visit http://www.amsa.org/uhc.

About the American Medical Student Association

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With more than 68,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including universal healthcare, disparities in medicine, diversity in medicine and transforming the culture of medical education. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org/