Robert Wexler: “I rise to acknowledge ``Cover the Uninsured Week.'' We must recognize the tragic reality that 47 million Americans…”

“I rise to acknowledge ``Cover the Uninsured Week.'' We must recognize the tragic reality that 47 million Americans, including 9 million children, are uninsured in America. In my home State of Florida, the figures are even more striking, with 20 percent of Floridians lacking health insurance. Millions of hard-working Americans with full-time jobs lack affordable health care options. For example, a woman in my district, Florianne, has worked as a housekeeper for a local hospital for 3 years and is uninsured. She cannot afford to pay for health insurance for her children despite having a full-time job. In 2004, when Florianne worked directly for the hospital, she received health benefits. Today, the hospital subcontracts its housekeeping operations, causing her to lose her health insurance. With rent, food, gas, and utilities eating up her $692 biweekly paycheck, there is not a dollar to spare for her son's glasses or basic checkups, let alone a $768 monthly premium. I wish Florianne's predicament was unique. All across Palm Beach County, the State of Florida and throughout the United States, children like Florianne's miss doctor's appointments, forego needed prescriptions, and are denied adequate health care. Their parents work hard but still cannot afford health care for their families. This is totally unacceptable in the wealthiest nation on Earth.”