AMA joins the battle with a campaign for the uninsured

AMA Leader Commentary. By Edward L. Langston, MD, Sept. 3, 2007.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from Edward L. Langston, MD, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees.

The American Medical Association recently announced a three-year national communications program to underscore the plight of those among us without health insurance. Pointing out that "One in seven is 45 million too many," the new campaign provides a voice for the uninsured, building awareness at a critical time in our nation's history, the months leading up to the 2008 general elections.

The AMA campaign will focus the attention of the nation's voters and candidates on one issue that affects all Americans; one issue that is the top domestic concern of voters; one issue that the AMA is going to try to make sure is the top domestic concern of the candidates.

Americans know that there are millions of uninsured. Physicians know firsthand that the uninsured live sicker and die younger. This campaign is not about telling people what they already know. This campaign is about making sure candidates take action. This campaign is about the AMA using its political might and patient trust to do what we do best -- care for patients. For details, visit the campaign's Web site (www.voicefortheuninsured.org).

This is not simply an "issue" -- it is a national tragedy. An economic tragedy. An emotional tragedy. A tragedy the uninsured confront alone virtually every day, until their treatable conditions become chronic -- then acute. That's not how health care should be provided.