During debate on Nov. 7 concerning the health care bill which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Barney Frank entered into an exchange on the house floor with Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), about the need for special efforts to provide outreach and information to fisherman to help them get access to quality and affordable health care under the legislation, should it become law.
Congressman Waxman is Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the committees which helped to craft the health care bill.
Chairman Waxman promised that the Commissioner would work with commercial fishing organizations and with the Small Business Administration to educate fishermen about their health care choices.
Congressman Frank’s office issued a press release on Nov. 9 that raised the following issues:
In the United States, families of fisherman or 3 to 4 times more likely to be uninsured than other families. Because their work is seasonal, their income fluctuates and they are often unable to pay for health insurance.
The state of Massachusetts has had some level of success informing fishermen about their health care options because it has hired fishermen and their families to conduct outreach in their communities. This has been especially effective because many fishermen are non-English speakers.
The new health care legislation, should it become law, will expand the range of health care choices. Families will need additional information in order to make the best decisions for their circumstances.
Congressman Frank will continue to work with Senator Kerry to make sure the final bill has a strong provision that will help fisherman take full advantage of the range of health care choices available to them.