President's FY 2003 Budget Plan is Step in Right Direction for Quality Health Care Says American Osteopathic Association

2/11/2002

From: Mary Ann M. Pagaduan, 800-621-1773, ext. 8040; 312-202-8040 or Mike Campea, 800-621-1773, ext. 8043; 312-202-8043, both of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

CHICAGO, Feb. 11 -- Proposals outlined in President Bush's FY 2003 Budget Plan -- including a refundable tax credit for health insurance -- take a positive step towards helping people access quality health care coverage, says the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

"Patients are waiting for quality health care and our nation's leaders know they cannot wait another day," says AOA President James Zini, D.O., who will be discussing health care aspects of the budget plan at a press confereI 1/2$whis afternoon in Milwaukee. The conference follows an address by President Bush and Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy G. Thompson. "President Bush should be commended for his budget plan's efforts to make comprehensive health insurance more affordable for the uninsured," adds Dr. Zini.

The Bush Administration's proposal outlines $89 billion in new health credits to make private health insurance more affordable for those without employer-subsidized insurance. "When President Bush paired refundable tax provisions with an affordable expansion of federal and state programs, he recognized the health of America is not one size fits all," says Dr. Zini. "The AOA applauds President Bush for taking a serious look at innovative ways to provide health care coverage."

This budget plan complements the expansion of health care access and insurance with substantial increased funding to support the healthcare workforce in underserved areas. "When the President asked for $44 million more dollars for the National Health Service Corps, he placed a priority on bringing doctors, dentists and other providers to areas most in need," says Dr. Zini.

The AOA commends the President's initiative to establish 1,200 community health center sites and to serve 6.1 million patients before FY 2006 with $1.5 billion in funding for community health centers.

"As a member of the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research Funding, AOA has advocated for increased National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding over the past three years," says Dr. Zini. "AOA supports President Bush's efforts to grant $27.3 billion for NIH, a 16 percent increase over last year."

The AOA represents more than 47,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and healthcare facilities.