-Caveat Lector- myth "We have the best health care in the world--despite all the alarm that has been raised about it in the past few years." Newt Gingrich (1) "There was no health care crisis in this country, at least not until Hillary got her mitts on health care." Rush Limbaugh (2) reality Health care delivery in the U.S. is excellent for some but terrible for others. Though we have some of the best medical facilities in the world, many people lack access to them. Infant mortality rates are lower in 21 other countries, including Canada, Germany, and Japan. Infant mortality rates are higher among African American children than in 40 other nations, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Cuba. (3) The number of Americans who lack health insurance is growing. In 1993, 17% of the population under age 65 lacked health insurance, up from 13% in 1980. (4) Many low income families cannot afford health insurance. In 1993, 35% of all Americans under age 65 with family incomes of less than $16,000 lacked health insurance, compared with 5% for those with family incomes of $50,000 or more. (5) More and more employers are reducing health benefits for their employees. (6) Racial and ethnic inequalities in health insurance access are large. Among people under age 65, 34% of all Latinos and 23% of all African-Americans lacked health insurance, compared with 16% of all whites. (7) Individuals without health care insurance are often unable to obtain adequate medical care. Although Medicare covers all people age 65 and over, Meicaid provides assistance for only about half of the poor. (8) In 1991, uninusred patients had death rates significantly higher than privately insured patients. (9) ------- 1) Gingrich, N. To Renew America, NY: Harpers, 1995. p. 176 2) Limbaugh, R. See, I Told You So, NY: Pocket Books, 1993, p. 168. 3) The State of America's Children, p. 28. 4) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health U.S. 1994 Chartbook, p. 35. 5) Health US 1994 Chartbook, p. 35. 6) The State of America's Children, p. 28. 7) Health US Chartbook, p. 35. 8) Poverty in the U.S., 1992 (Bureau of the Census, P-60, no. 185), p. 32, Table 7. 9) Robert Lavelle, America's New War on Poverty, SF: KQED Books, 1995, p. 143. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
