08.11.2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Deutsch Discusses Healthcare with Ft. Lauderdale Seniors

FT. LAUDERDALE -- On August 11, Congressman Peter Deutsch (FL-20), Democratic candidate for the United States Senate participated in a healthcare roundtable with local seniors in Fort Lauderdale to discuss the "real stories" behind our nation’s healthcare crisis. The Healthcare roundtable took place at the Broward County Police Benevolent Association Headquarters.

This dialogue focused on improving access to quality healthcare for all Floridians and the need for a prescription drug benefit plan that provides broad-based access to prescription drugs and is comprehensive, affordable, and safe.

"The health of our people is vital to the well-being of America, yet almost 44 million Americans, including 2.8 million Floridians lack adequate health insurance coverage," Deutsch said to the crowd. "And the ranks of the uninsured continue to grow at an alarming rate."

Deutsch rejected the old excuse that we cannot afford to expand health insurance coverage. He told the group that the uninsured suffer from decreased work productivity, lower school achievement, and shorter life expectancy, among other negative outcomes and that America cannot afford to leave its people longing for such a basic necessity.

The "Deutsch Universal Healthcare Plan" is a centerpiece of the senatorial candidate’s plan to help seniors and working families in Florida. Deutsch’s plan will help an additional three million Floridians currently without healthcare get into the system.

Sophie Bock a resident of Sunrise and a participant in today's healthcare roundtable, supports the Deutsch plan for Universal Healthcare for all Americans.

"At a bare minimum every person in this country should be afforded adequate healthcare," said Bock. "Peter's plan really sets him apart from the rest, since he is willing to fight for this, and this is something that will help all Americans."

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