- Minorities Anxious for Health Care Reform to Take Action -

(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – President Obama was recently successful in passing the new health care reform bill. Minorities were particularly thrilled about the new bill passing due to the fact that they hold one of the highest percentages of people in the United States who are without health care. Americans without healthcare had risen to an all time high in the past few years, rising to 15.9 percent. About 19 percent of African-Americans are without health insurance.

“I am 85 years old with health insurance. But with all my medical obligations, some of my needs are not covered by my insurance,” Mary Crockett, an Ohio native expresses. “I am confident that the new health care reform will assist me and help provide me with the necessary medical attention I need. I think it is time for this change.”

Many Republicans are concerned with what the health care bill covers. The largest concern is that the bill covers abortions. President Obama has made it clear that the bill does not cover the abortion procedure. Research shows that abortions are most common in women between the ages of 15 to 28. This particular subject within health care reform has been a popular topic among that age group.

“I support the health care reform and what it stands for. I also support that it shouldn’t cover abortions,” Nitika Gresham, a 22-year-old college senior said. “I believe that is the choice of a woman, and should be supported by the woman who makes the decision. Not something that has an obligation to be paid for.”

The health care reform bill promises to lower health costs and provide more security and stability for those who have health insurance. It will also provide health insurance to those who don’t have it. The health care reform bill breaks down both sides, people with insurance and people without, and shows how it will benefit each situation.

Although African-Americans will not see change right away, the result and outcome of the success of the bill is anxiously awaited. The new reform is positive for the black community. This marks the beginning of more change to come.