Introduced Version
Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 History
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 37
(By Senators Prezioso, Hunter, Sharpe, Unger, Foster, Dempsey,
Minard, McCabe, Jenkins and Love)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance direct the
Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources
Accountability study the various mechanisms in reaching the
goal of providing all citizens with comprehensive, quality and
affordable health care.
Whereas, It is the goal of the Legislature to see that all
citizens of the state have comprehensive, quality and affordable
health care; and
Whereas, The cost of health care is growing at a faster rate
than any other area of service. It is estimated that by 2008 a
basic family health insurance policy in West Virginia may cost at
least $16,000 dollars, making it unaffordable for a majority of the
residents of the state; and
Whereas, The current health care system encourages cost
shifting to citizens who are least able to afford the cost. Twenty
percent of the residents of West Virginia between ages 19 and 64 go
without insurance at some time during the year and those who need
health care services the most have the largest economic, social and
educational barriers and are ultimately least able to access the
health care system; and
Whereas, Communities are at risk of losing health care
accessibility because high rates of uninsured can cause hospitals
to reduce services, health providers to move out of the community
and public health programs to be cut due to the burden of providing
care to those who cannot pay; and
Whereas, Because the system is flawed and does not provide
basic health care services to all, the consequences include
unnecessary visits to the emergency room, more serious disease
outcomes due to lack of early intervention and huge financial
burdens to all the citizens of West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to direct the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health
and Human Resources Accountability study the various mechanisms in
reaching the goal of providing all citizens with comprehensive,
quality and affordable health care; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.