AOA President Calls on Congress to Reauthorize SCHIP and Take Action to Ensure Health Care Coverage for All...( Statement Attributable to Peter B...),Health

Statement Attributable to Peter B. Ajluni, D.O., American Osteopathic Association (AOA) President

CHICAGO, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The rise in number of Americans without health insurance to 47 million --- as announced in the latest report by the U.S. Census Bureau --- is a disturbing trend signaling more must be done to increase access to quality, affordable health care.

As lawmakers return this week from the summer recess, reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which is set to expire on September 30, should be a top priority. Failure to reauthorize this important program, which provides health care coverage to millions of children, would be detrimental to the overall health of this vulnerable population.

Having made a commitment as president of the AOA to promote preventive health care as a critical pillar to achieving improved health and wellness, I urge lawmakers to reauthorize SCHIP. We also call on Congress to pass legislation that improves the Medicare and Medicaid programs, especially the flawed physician reimbursement system.

Representing the nation's more than 61,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), the AOA is an active participant in dialogue on health care reform and will continue to work with Congress and other bodies to ensure that Americans have access to affordable, quality health care.

The American Osteopathic Association proudly represents its professional family of more than 61,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s); promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on D.O.s/osteopathic medicine can be found at http://www.osteopathic.org.