Currently, the United States spends more on health care than any other country even though we are ranked 47th in life expectancy and 43rd in child mortality. In addition, over 40 million people are without coverage, including millions of children. Eight out of ten of those uninsured are members of working families and the number continues to grow at an alarming rate.
NASW supports a national health care policy that ensures the rights to universal access to a continuum of health and mental health.” (Social Work Speaks, 7th Edition 2006-2009). Both presidential candidates have proposed enhanced health care plans. In each health care proposal there are issues of interest to social workers. These include mental health, veterans’ health, women’s health, HIV/AIDS, long term care and Medicaid and Medicare among others.
What health care related issues interest you as a social worker?
