Posts filed under ‘Health Care’
Health Care Reform for Child Care Providers
I recently attended a national public policy symposium in Washington, D.C., where Carmen Nazario spoke. Ms. Nazario is the assistant secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. Her comments were wide-ranging, talking about the administration’s budget proposals (expanding child care to 300,000 more children), the First Lady’s efforts to decrease the incidence of childhood obesity, and the Early Learning Challenge Fund. But the biggest “ah ha” moments for much of the audience of early childhood advocates was the discussion of health care reform.
Large numbers of staff in child care centers, and self-employed family child care providers, do not have health insurance through their employers. These low-wage workers often cannot afford insurance for themselves and their families, and do without. Due to pre-existing conditions, they may be unable to even buy health care in the individual market. Ms. Nazario believes that child care workers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of health care reform.
This week may be “do or die” for health care reform that would make care accessible to those who provide care and education to our youngest children. For their sake and the sake of all the families in America who depend upon them, let’s hope health care becomes available at a price they can afford.
Posted by sallie on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 3:57 PM
