California Nurses Association and National Health Insurance

The California Nurses Association's influence on national health insurance is seen to be significant under the association's efforts for patient and health care advocacy. Over 58,000 registered nurses are members of the California Nurses Association which is governed by a 30 member Board of Directors. Founded in 1903, the California Nurses Association has the largest membership of any professional association in the country.

The California Nurses Association commissioned The Institute for Health and Socio-Economic Policy to conduct an extensive study of the American health care system with particular emphasis upon hospital costs, pharmaceuticals, and HMOs.

California Nurses Association's influence on national health insurance

Released in September of 2004, the study concludes that the existing health care system in the United States is engaged in a Health Care War Economy based on factors such as rising medical costs, reduced reimbursements and the need for providers to have market dominance. The problems identified in the study show that the current level of service delivery combined with the high cost of health care service demand is not sustainable. Other problems include the markup on the cost of drugs. For example, Prozac is sold at 225,000% markup.

The study includes a 12 step program to lead the U.S. health care system into recovery especially in regards to the financial viability and sustainability of hospitals. The very first step in the proposed process is the creation of a single universal standard of care for all patients. The second step is the creation of a uniform benefits package for all.

This study combined with the legislative advocacy efforts of the California Nurses Association points to the rising number of voices in the U.S. calling for national health coverage. Given the dire predictions of reports such as the one conducted by The Institute for Health and Socio-Economic Policy, it would seem such a national health policy is perhaps closer to becoming a reality than many Americans might think.

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