Grace Ross on Health Care

Expand psychiatric services as part of universal coverage

A: Yes, I think that psychiatric services need to be expanded in general as part of universal health coverage. While the impulse to mainstream those with psychiatric and mental disabilities is theoretical appropriate--it is unconscionable when coupled with cuts in necessary services and will never serve the needs of all. We must also address human rights of the mentally ill.

Supports employer assessment for uninsured employees

A: Absolutely, this is otherwise another corporate tax loophole which shifts the burden of medical costs on to other tax payers, disproportionally those with the least. And any realistic assessment cannot serve as a disincentive for those responsible employers who still provide health coverage. It is not enough, however, without single payer healthcare and the cost containments it provides.

Expand MassHealth as basis for single system of coverage

A: YES, absolutely, I have spent most of my adult life trying to expand and protect MassHealth coverage. I was very involved in the expansion of MassHealth to cover all the uninsured children of this state under age 18--to which we need to return. In addition, something like MassHealth needs to serve as the basis for a single system of health coverage for all--no second class citizens.

Create universal health care

Our Issues
• Abolish poverty:
• Create universal health care
• Create real affordable housing