April 20: Wasserman Schultz Needs To Also Speak Out About Insurance

By Sylvia Gurinsky



What U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL, said in her statement about breast cancer detection angered plenty of people who don't yet believe there is enough scientific proof that women younger than 40 need to routinely be tested for the illness.



But it's what she didn't say where she really goofed. Wasserman Schultz, who has been bravely fighting her battle against breast cancer for more than a year, said nothing in that press conference about health insurance.



That's surprising, because Wasserman Schultz is a strong supporter of universal and affordable health care coverage. In the past, she has filed bills to prevent restrictions on insurance based on where people travel. Last summer, she co-sponsored the Healthy Americans Act to guarantee universal coverage.



She is a cosponsor on a number of bills to protect and improve health coverage, and that includes coverage for those tested and treated for cancer. That's commendable. But she needs to speak out about it more. At this time when so many Americans are losing health insurance coverage, words from Congress will speak just as loud as actions. Wasserman Schultz must again speak as passionately about health insurance as she does about cancer detection and treatment.